Asahi, village in Higashichikuma district, Nagano prefecture, Japan
Asahi is a small village in Nagano Prefecture surrounded by mountains and agricultural land. The settlement features narrow roads, traditional wooden houses, and rice paddies where residents tend to farms and go about their daily routines.
Asahi was once part of the ancient Shinano Province, known for rice farming and quiet settlements. The village became organized under the modern system in 1889 after being controlled by local feudal families and the Matsumoto domain.
The name Asahi means "morning sun" and reflects the village's eastern position in the region. Residents keep local customs alive through seasonal festivals and community gatherings where traditional music, dances, and locally made food bring people together.
The village has no train station, so most travelers arrive by car or bus on local roads that wind peacefully through fields and forests. The absence of major highways helps keep the area free from heavy traffic.
Local wine from Asahi has been made from regional grapes for generations and was served at the 2016 G7 Summit. This recognition demonstrates how the village's wine production gained international attention beyond the area.
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