Breathtaking view on mountain top with music event “Sake and Alps”

In early November, the two-day music event “Sake and Alps” was held atop a mountain standing at 1,445 meters under a clear blue sky. This unique festival offered panoramic views of two alpine ranges and Japan’s deepest valley, the Ina Valley, and allowed attendees to enjoy local sake and cuisine amidst an ever-changing landscape.

Local sake, exquisite cuisine, and music

The event was set on Mount Jinbagata in Nakagawa Village, located in southern Nagano Prefecture. The site, known as a scenic camping spot, is about four hours from Tokyo and over two hours from Nagoya.

Visitors could drive to the summit, where they were greeted by vast skies, the Alps, footbaths, and kotatsu (a type of heated table). The setup allowed guests to warm their feet and relax while enjoying the alpine views and engaging with fellow attendees.

As lunchtime neared, local sake breweries and restaurants began bustling. The offerings included Imanishiki sake made with Jinbagata’s spring water, “Mars Whisky” using water from the Central Alps, and a selection of Shinshu wines and craft beers. The cuisine featured game dishes, spice curry, and charcoal-roasted coffee.

The music, themed around being enjoyed amidst spectacular views, included performances by Tenzin Kunsang, a member of the Tibetan Stage Arts Troupe (TIPA), who added a spiritual element to the atmosphere.

500 yen voucher for bringing your personal drinking glass

“Sake and Alps” was carefully curated to value the “scenery,” with everything from the setup to the entertainment geared towards creating an immersive experience. To make it an event for everyone, including workshops for making bread over a campfire and a kids’ area, the event is a haven for both camping novices and seasoned enthusiasts.

The event organizers emphasize the importance of using proper glasses for enjoying drinks, as paper or plastic cups do not do justice to the aroma, taste, and temperature changes of beverages. This commitment is reflected in the ticket purchase too, as visitors who brought their glasses receive an additional 500 yen voucher.

Conveying an eco message from Mount Jinbagata

“Sake and Alps,” which had its first event in November 2022, aims to have a positive impact not only on visitors but also on the region while minimizing negative impacts like overtourism. The campground, previously managed by the Nakagawa Village Office, faced issues due to overtourism, including environmental damage and strain on local residents and facilities.

Since 2021, the management of the campground has shifted to a collaboration with the private sector. The local community, including residents and young people from within and outside the region, has been involved in improving services, transitioning to a paid model, and actively promoting the region’s charms.

The event organizers emphasize the importance of collaboration between visitors and locals. “Let’s joyfully preserve this special place for the future,” reads a message displayed when purchasing tickets online.

Mount Jinbagata has long been a vital water source and sacred site for locals, but recent population decline and labor shortages have led to the deterioration of the surrounding satoyama. “Sake and Alps” was initiated with the hope of revitalizing and enriching the mountain’s vegetation and making satoyama a sustainable habitat once again. This endeavor represents a vision to rejuvenate visitors’ spirits and contribute to a sustainable society through the use of Mount Jinbagata.