🗺️ Shimo-kurita (Shimo-kurita no Sato)

Shimo-Kuri no Sato is located on the eastern slope of Kamimura in Iida City, at an altitude of 800 to 1100 meters, offering a view of the Southern Alps. The steep slopes, with a maximum gradient of 38 degrees, are dotted with homes and fields, and due to its beautiful natural scenery reminiscent of Tyrol, Austria, it is also known as "Japan's Tyrol." In 2009, Shimo-Kuri no Sato was selected as one of the "100 Best Villages in Japan." In response to this honor, local residents collaborated to build the "Sky Village Observation Deck" in the autumn of the same year, which provides a panoramic view of the village. The village has the "Shimo-Kuri no Sato Guide Association," which offers guided tours led by local guides. While guiding tourists through the village, the guides provide humorous and detailed explanations about Shimo-Kuri's natural environment, lifestyle, food culture, and the traditional festival "Shimozuki Matsuri." The tour costs 3,000 yen per person, with one guide accompanying (maximum of 20 people per group, the tour lasts about 2 hours, and reservations must be made 14 days in advance). Nearby, there is a restaurant called "Soba Noodle Shop Hanba-tei," which offers various specialty dishes made with seasonal ingredients from Shimo-Kuri (closed from December to early April). There is also the "Kamimura Agricultural Products Direct Sales Office," which sells local agricultural products and various specialties, and it is recommended to stop by. Shimo-Kuri no Sato attracts many visitors, but since it is still a place where locals live their daily lives, please be mindful of etiquette during your visit.

Preserving Japan's original scenery, this beautiful mountain village is selected as one of the "100 Best Villages in Japan." From the "Sky Village Observation Deck," you can overlook the entire village. It is recommended to join the guided tour of Kurasaki, where local guides provide humorous and engaging explanations.