Set in the Japan Heritage site “Moonlight Capital Chikuma,” this audio Tour is enjoyed through the audio AR service Locatone™.
Your guides are Chichikuma-kun, a self-proclaimed tourism ambassador, and Yujiro Togami, who will lead you through the town of Chikuma.
Simply put on your earphones and start walking — the stories and charm of Chikuma will begin to unfold around you.
A special journey guided by sound is about to begin.
Join the two guides and explore Chikuma together, experiencing the unique story and allure of the Japan Heritage site “Moonlight Capital Chikuma.”
▼ Introduction to the Japan Heritage “Moonlight Capital Chikuma” Sound Tour ▼
Tour Information
Duration: Approx. 3 hours
Price: ¥1,000
Purchase Locations: Shinshu Chikuma Tourism Bureau, Japan Heritage Center, The Moon Terraces Obasute Welcome Desk (from April 2026)
How to Participate:
Please scan the QR code of your purchased experience ticket using your smartphone to start the tour.
When you arrive at the tour locations, the audio guide will automatically play using GPS.
Available Languages: Japanese / English
※ A smartphone is required to join the experience.
Supported browsers and systems:
iPhone: Safari (iOS 16.4 or later)
Android: Chrome (version 108 or later)
※ Please make sure your GPS/location services are turned ON.
※ The use of earphones or headphones is highly recommended.For an enhanced audio AR experience, we recommend the Sony LinkBuds series — fully wireless headphones designed to keep your ears open.
They naturally blend the surrounding environmental sounds with the audio guide, creating a more immersive and realistic experience.
Please check the ticket page here.
Japan Heritage “Moonlight Capital Chikuma” Sound Tour
Sound Tour Area
The Moon Capital Chikuma Sound Tour takes you around cultural heritage sites and sightseeing spots scattered across the Obasute area and the Togura Kamiyamada Onsen area.
In addition to these two main areas, special bonus spots are also included — be sure to discover them along the way!
When you arrive at each spot, the audio guide will automatically start playing using GPS, so simply enjoy the experience as you explore.
At the spots, you can also unlock AR images.
Take photos together with Chichikuma-kun and Yujiro Togami to create a memorable keepsake from your journey.
If you visit all the tour spots, you will receive a Completion Bonus.
We encourage you to explore all the spots and enjoy the full experience!
What is Locatone?
Locatone is an innovative audio experience service powered by technology from Sony, where virtual sounds blend seamlessly into the real world.
By starting the content on your smartphone and visiting designated locations, audio guides and music are automatically triggered based on your location.
As you walk through the town while listening, you can discover new perspectives, stories, and hidden charms of the area.
Locatone offers a unique way to explore a place — guided not by screens, but by sound.
Official Locatone Website👉https://www.locatone.sony.net/
Locatone Official Channel: Shinshu Chikuma “Chikumaru Channel”👉https://www.locatone.sony.net/ch/93/
※ Locatone is an application provided by SoVeC Corporation.
※ Locatone is a trademark of Sony Group Corporation or its affiliated companies.
Production & Cast
【Voice Cast】
Chichikuma-kun: Yurina Ito
Yujiro Togami: Yurina Ito
Narration: Yurina Ito
【Staff】
Music & Sound Design: Gaku
Visual Design: minotake design
Planning & Production:Shinshu Chikuma Tourism Bureau,KOJA Studio,009 inc.
Casting: Koesen♪
▼ KOJA Studio Official Website▼
https://www.koja-studio.jp
▼009 inc. Official Website ▼
https://009inc.jp/
Obasute Rice Terraces Preservation
A portion of the proceeds from this Audio Tour is used to support preservation activities that help pass the Obasute Rice Terraces on to future generations.
The Obasute Rice Terraces are an iconic landscape symbolizing the Japan Heritage site Moonlight Capital Chikuma.
For centuries, they have been carefully maintained by local communities and have long been an integral part of daily life in the area.
In recent years, however, the aging of caretakers and a shortage of successors have made the continued maintenance of the terraces an increasing challenge.
Although local preservation groups continue to work tirelessly, there is a growing need to nurture the next generation of caretakers and to build sustainable systems that allow preservation efforts to continue without excessive burden.
This Audio Tour aims not only to introduce the beauty and cultural value of Obasute to a wider audience, but also to protect and sustain the terraced rice fields through tourism, connecting this treasured landscape to the future.
Your travel experience becomes a meaningful contribution toward preserving the Obasute Rice Terraces for generations to come.
Purchase Locations & Completion Bonus Exchange
Tickets for the Japan Heritage “Moonlight Capital Chikuma” Audio Tour and the exchange of the Completion Bonus are available at the following three locations.
Please check each facility’s opening days and hours before visiting.
Shinshu Chikuma Tourism Bureau
Address:2-12-10 Togura-Kamiyamada Onsen, Chikuma City, Nagano, Japan
TEL: +81-26-261-0300
Closed:December 29 – January 3
Hours:9:15 AM – 5:30 PM
Japan Heritage Center
Address:4993-1 Yawata, Obasute, Chikuma City, Nagano, Japan
TEL: +81-26-273-4170
Closed:Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a national holiday),The day after a national holiday,Year-end and New Year holidays (December 29 – January 3）
Hours:9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (April – October),9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (November – March)
The Moon Terraces Obasute Welcome Desk
(Sales start from April 2026)
Address:7160-2 Yawata, Chikuma City, Nagano, Japan
Closed:Irregular holidays(Please check our official Instagram for updates)
Official Instagram:@moonterraces_obasute
Hours:10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Important Notice:
The Moon Terraces Obasute Welcome Desk is located within the Obasute Rice Terraces, where the roads are narrow.
If you are driving a large vehicle or are not confident driving on narrow roads, please park at the Obasute Rice Terraces Parking Area and walk to the desk.
(The walk takes approximately 10 minutes.)
Rules & Safety Guidelines
- Please be aware of your surroundings and watch your step at all times.
- If instructions are given by facility managers or local staff, please follow them accordingly.
- Do not enter private property or agricultural land.
- If you are not using earphones or headphones, please be considerate of others and keep the volume at a level that does not disturb people around you.