"Japanese Alps"

The Southern Japanese Alps, blessed with vast nature, houses many alpine huts and lodges, attracting a lot of people who enjoy activities from camping and hiking to full-fledged mountain climbing in the seasons of summer mountaineering. Numerous alpine floras including Callianthemum Hondoense and Rosebays can be seen here, it is also a home to precious wildlife such as the ptarmigan bird. Many hot springs are also located in the vicinity.

The foot of the Southern Japanese Alps once flourished as a transportation point for the Shinshu region, its distinctive local industries and traditional culture still remains. The Midai River alluvial fan and stretching low-lying lands have enjoyed cultivation of fruits such as peaches, plums, cherries, and grapes. Many berries are grown in neighboring farms from spring through autumn. This area especially boasts the best plum production throughout the country.