Minamimaki, Mountain village in Minamisaku District, Japan
Minamimaki is a mountain village in an upland area east of Nagano that spreads across a wide area. The settlement sits between 1,000 and 1,500 meters in elevation, which shapes its climate and farming.
The village took its modern form in 1889 when Japan reorganized its local government along new patterns. This reshaping was part of broader nationwide reforms of the Meiji era.
The village keeps old farming methods and local festivals that reflect rural mountain life. You can see these traditions in the seasonal celebrations and in how people work the land.
The village is reachable by the Koumi railway line and National Route 141, offering good connections. Visitors should prepare for cold winters and frequent snowfall when traveling here.
The Nobeyama Radio Observatory sits at one of Japan's highest locations and uses large telescopes to study space. This research facility shapes the village and draws scientists from around the world.
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