Local Supporter Miwa Hashiguchi

Local Supporter

Miwa Hashiguchi

Creators staying in Shinshu

Originally from Kagoshima, she spent her first year on Taketomi Island before transferring to this snowy region for the reopening of Kai Alps. Although she is still getting used to the cold, she is always keeping her antenna up to share the charms of Shinshu, such as by proposing a new stay experience centered on Shinshu pickles.

KAI Alps: A hot spring inn where you can experience the luxurious countryside of Shinshu. Guest rooms and hot spring buildings are lined up on both sides along the "gangi" (snow country arcade), overlooking the magnificent views of the Alps and a river filled with snowmelt water. Enjoy a stay where you can warm up in a sunken kotatsu and relax with the hospitality of an irori hearth.

Facility Website

Local Supporter FAQ

What are your recommendations for the Nagano Omachi area (places, experiences, gourmet food)?: I recommend "Soshya Wachigai," located in the heart of Omachi City, about a 10-minute walk from Shinano-Omachi Station. In this building, a traditional townhouse over 100 years old, you can enjoy a Japanese lunch featuring plenty of seasonal ingredients from Omachi while surrounded by retro furnishings. Nearby, you will also find "Shio no Michi Chojiya," where you can learn about the history of the Salt Road, and "Eezura," which offers a wide variety of souvenirs, making this the perfect starting point for your Omachi sightseeing!

Please secretly tell us some hidden gems that only a local would know.: The Miasa area, about a 20-minute drive from the center of Omachi, is a region with many stylish cafes and workshops.
Among them, I recommend "solosolo," a plant-dyeing studio nestled in the mountains of Miasa. The shop features works that are each hand-dyed using the clean water flowing from the Northern Alps. The pieces, carefully dyed by boiling plants with firewood and the clear water from the Northern Alps, have gentle colors that evoke the power of nature, unlike anything else you will find.

Who did you travel with and where did you go last year?: I went on my first trip with just my mother. Our destination was the famous hot spring resorts of my hometown, Kyushu: Beppu Onsen and Yufuin Onsen. We spent a relaxing time together enjoying the historic streets of the hot spring towns, the diverse quality of the waters, and meals featuring local ingredients—all part of the hot spring culture that has been loved by Japanese people for generations.

How do you spend your days off?: I used to be terrible at driving, but since coming to the Alps, I've grown to love it. I enjoy going out without a specific destination in mind, gazing at the magnificent Northern Alps. Recently, I've also been into visiting libraries and bookstores. I can't help but pick up books with elaborate obi strips or cover designs.

Is there anything you always bring with you when you travel?: A notebook and a book. Before I go on a trip, I choose one book to take with me. It's surprising how clearly you remember when and where you read something. Deciding on my favorite book for the trip is one of my travel preparations.