[2025 Achi Attraction] Travel Guide for Heavens Sonohara (Updated Jul)

I want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and take some time to calm myself down. But I also want to be stimulated when I travel. Nagano in Shinshu will grant you this wish. With its magnificent nature, deep history, and a treasure trove of culture that will make you gasp, there are plenty of reasons to satisfy your five senses. ⸻ ✅ 5 reasons to visit Nagano Prefecture 1. [Zenkoji is a place where anyone can be "saved"] Zenkoji, the symbol of Nagano City, is a rare temple that anyone can visit regardless of sect. It is said that if you touch the "lock of paradise" in the pitch black during the "Okaidan Meguri" tour under the main hall, you will be guaranteed a life in paradise. 2. [Actually a "hot spring kingdom"! Second in the nation in number of hot springs] Nagano is the second most hot springs prefecture in Japan after Hokkaido. Bessho Onsen, Shibu Onsen, Hirugami Onsen and other onsen hot springs are dotted around the area, perfect for a trip around the hot springs. 3. [A world-renowned starry sky] Achi Village is a village that has been recognized by the Ministry of the Environment as the place where the stars shine brightest in Japan. At Heavens Sonohara, a highland resort at an altitude of 1200m, you can experience a sky full of stars that you can almost reach out and touch. 4. [Why it's famous for its apple production, even though it's not the largest in Japan] Nagano's apples are second only to Aomori in production volume. However, they are highly rated for their "good taste" and "wide variety." In particular, "Shinano Sweet" and "Shinano Gold" are brand apples that originated in Nagano. 5. [Actually the "Jomon Kingdom"! The number of excavated items is the highest in Japan] Nagano Prefecture is one of the areas with the largest concentration of Jomon ruins in Japan. The national treasure clay figurines "Jomon Venus" and "Masked Goddess" were excavated from the Togariishi ruins in Chino City, and are cultural assets of a class comparable to those in the Tokyo National Museum. ⸻ 🧭Summary Nagano is not just "beautiful nature". A prefecture that embraces all the curiosity of travelers, from history and culture to healing and discovery. If you're looking for a "slightly deeper trip" for your next holiday, Nagano will surely exceed your expectations. #Nagano #DomesticTravel

🌌Achi Village, Nagano | A night trip in the sky, surrounded by a starry sky Achi Village is known as the "village with the most beautiful starry sky in Japan," and is a hidden gem in southern Nagano Prefecture. The beauty of the starry sky, certified by the Ministry of the Environment, is overwhelming, and the night tour at "Heaven's Sonohara" is a moving experience that you should visit at least once in your life. If you take the gondola up to the plateau at an altitude of 1,400m, you will see a starry sky like a planetarium above your head. In winter, the clear air makes the sky even clearer, and in summer it is also popular as a summer resort. During the day, you can enjoy hot springs and soba-making experiences, so you can enjoy it as a day trip or overnight stay. ⸻ 🔹Experience points ・A "heavenly paradise" where you can experience a 360-degree starry sky ・A night tour with a professional starry sky guide ・Plenty of hot springs and nature experiences during the day ⸻ 📍Access About 40 minutes by car from JR Iida Station (bus transfers available for tour participants) Stargazing area admission fee: Paid (varies depending on the season) ⸻ #Nagano sightseeing #Achi village #starry sky tour #Japan's best starry sky #night trip #spectacular spot #solo trip #couple trip #absolutely free trip ⸻

#tourism Located between Gifu and Nagano, Heavens Sonohara is a summer resort that is easy to get to from the three Tokai prefectures, including Aichi and Gifu! We went during Obon, but it was so empty that it didn't feel like Obon 🎵 The fresh soft serve ice cream is also delicious 😋 We went with my nephew, niece, and other relatives, and it's a recommended place for families that can be enjoyed by both children and adults! We walked a lot and the kids seemed to have fun ♫📍Heaven's Sonohara Address: 3731-3 Chiri, Achi Village, Shimoina District, Nagano Prefecture 395-0304 4 hours ⏰ 9:00 to 16:00 🎫 Two ropeways, round-trip gondola ticket Adults 3,500 yen ❤️ Strollers are allowed up to the gondola and the first ropeway, but strollers are not allowed on the ropeway that goes to the second peak, so you have to leave them at the boarding area 👌#ropeway #heaven's sonohara #naganotourism #naganotrip

How can we wash away the fatigue and weariness of our body and soul? Surround yourself with some "non-daily experiences"! Vast starry sky, azure waves, and supremely gentle spring water... During the journey, believe that you will be fully revived. Go to Takachiho and feel the gods. 📍Miyazaki Located in the central Kyushu mountain range, Takachiho is the place where the grandson of the heavens descended in Japanese mythology, and also where eight million gods once resided. Shuttle through the mysterious valley, hold your breath in the vast sea of clouds, and feel the breath of ancient myths with every inhale and exhale. The Takachiho Gorge in Miyazaki was formed 120,000 years ago during the activity of the Asu volcano, when lava flowed into the Gokase River and formed a canyon. The bottom of the valley is very deep, and the rocks are cut straight like they were sliced, while boating on the lake, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery on both sides. The deepest part of the canyon is up to 100 meters, and the stream flowing down the valley forms a beautiful waterfall. Surrounded by starry skies in Azhi Village. 📍Nagano "The brightest place in the starry sky", "a romantic place for lovers", "Japan's number one starry sky" - these are all descriptions of Azumino, located four hours away from Tokyo by car. Azumura is a small village in the western part of Nagano Prefecture's Shimoina District. It has neither tall buildings nor beautiful mountains and rivers, but it won first place in the "National Continuous Observation of the Starry Sky" event hosted by Japan's Ministry of the Environment and was named the "shiniest place in the starry sky". On clear days, you can observe the Milky Way with the naked eye and experience breathtaking scenery. Azhi Village is surrounded by mountains, with effective shading of light, at an altitude of 1400 meters, with clear air and greatly improved visibility. The romantic scenery attracts many couples, and it is said that the success rate of confession and proposal is very high here! Riding the cable car with a total length of over 2500 meters and a height difference of 610 meters, looking at the vast and boundless starry sky, making a vow of love, the stars all over the sky will be witnesses of love. Apart from the shining starry sky, there are also warm hot springs for the body and mind. Located along the Azusa River in the southern end of the Central Alps, the Asahi Onsen has become the "backyard" of the Asahi Village. Because it is far away from the hustle and bustle and has hot springs and starry sky, many people choose to come here to cultivate their body and mind. The center of the hot spring street opens a morning market every day, where travelers can buy seasonal vegetables produced locally. The spring quality here is a strong alkaline hot spring with a pH value as high as 9.7, which has a good effect on removing old and waste keratin from the skin and is a well-known "beauty hot spring" in Japan. In order to appreciate the different landscapes of the Central Alps in all four seasons, such as the alpine plants in summer, the red leaves in autumn, and the snowy scenery in winter, how can one not come to Azumino Village to soak in a hot spring and stargaze.