Nagano - Discovering Japan

Travelling to Nagano

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Nagano, a pretty good destination in Japan (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Nagano and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Nagano, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Japan, here's everything to know about Nagano for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Nagano

Nagano is a landlocked prefecture located in the central region of the Japanese island of Honshu. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, with the Japanese Alps running through its northern part. Nagano hosted the Winter Olympics in 1998, and is a popular destination for winter sports and mountain activities. Some of its famous attractions include the Zenko-ji Temple, the Matsumoto Castle, and the Jigokudani Monkey Park where you can see Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) bathing in hot springs. Nagano is also renowned for producing a variety of delicious foods, including soba noodles, apples and grapes.

What to visit in Nagano

Sure, here are some of the popular tourist attractions of Nagano in Japan: 1. Zenko-ji Temple: This ancient Buddhist temple is located in the heart of Nagano city and is one of the oldest and most important temples in Japan. It was founded in the 7th century and is famous for its hidden Buddha statue, which is only revealed once every six years.
2. Jigokudani Monkey Park: This park is located in the mountains outside of Nagano city and is famous for its hot springs and resident Japanese macaques. Visitors can watch the monkeys bathing and playing in the hot springs, making it a popular tourist attraction.
3. Matsumoto Castle: This castle is one of Japan's most beautiful and historic castles, dating back to the 16th century. The black and white exterior of the castle gives it a unique appearance, and visitors can explore the castle's interior and surrounding grounds.
4. Kamikochi: This is a beautiful national park located in the Northern Alps of Nagano prefecture. It is known for its stunning mountain scenery, crystal-clear streams, and alpine flora and fauna. The park is a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
5. Togakushi Shrine: This is a group of five Shinto shrines located at the foot of Mt. Togakushi in Nagano. It is known for its beautiful forests, ancient trees, and historic architecture. The shrine is also home to a famous ninja training school.
6. Shiga Kogen Ski Resort: This is one of Japan's largest and most popular ski resorts, located in the mountains of Nagano. It offers a wide range of skiing and snowboarding terrain, as well as accommodations, restaurants, and other amenities.
7. Lake Suwa: This large freshwater lake is located in the center of Nagano prefecture. It is known for its beautiful scenery, fishing, and water sports. The lake is also famous for the Suwa Taisha Shrine, which is one of Japan's oldest and most important Shinto shrines.
These are just some of the many tourist attractions in Nagano, Japan. Each of them has their unique features and attractions to offer to its visitors.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Japan, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Nagano.

When to go on holiday to Nagano

The best time to visit Nagano is during the winter months of December to March if you're interested in skiing and winter sports. Nagano is known for its incredible ski resorts and is home to some of the best ski slopes in Japan. However, if you're interested in exploring the outdoors and want to enjoy a pleasant climate with beautiful views, the months of April to November are ideal. During these months, you can visit the lush forests of the region, hike in the mountains, or enjoy the stunning autumn colors. Overall, the best time to visit Nagano really depends on what you want to experience during your trip.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Nagano

There are several ways to get to Nagano, Japan depending on your location. Here are a few options: 1. By Air: The closest airport to Nagano is Matsumoto Airport, which is served by domestic flights. Alternatively, you can fly to Narita or Haneda airport in Tokyo, and take a train or bus to Nagano.
2. By Train: Nagano is well connected by train to major cities in Japan. You can take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagano, which takes about 90 minutes. The Shinano Limited Express from Nagoya or Osaka to Nagano also stops at Matsumoto. 3. By Bus: There are several bus services that operate between Tokyo and Nagano. The journey takes about 4 hours, depending on traffic.
I hope this information helps you plan your trip to Nagano. Let me know if you need any further information.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Nagano, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Nagano

Sure, here are some typical foods of Nagano with a short description of each: 1. Sobameshi: This is a dish made with soba noodles and steamed rice. It's a popular snack in Nagano because it's easy to make and very filling.
2. Oyaki: Oyaki is a type of dumpling that's made with a flour and water dough and stuffed with a variety of fillings, usually vegetables and mushrooms. It's a popular snack in Nagano.
3. Shinshu Soba: This is a type of buckwheat noodle that's popular in Nagano. The noodles are thin and have a slightly nutty flavor. They're served hot or cold with various toppings such as green onions or grated daikon radish.
4. Sake: Nagano is home to many sake breweries, and the region is known for producing high-quality sake. Sake is a traditional Japanese rice wine that's usually served with meals.
5. Basashi: This is a dish made with raw horse meat, which is a delicacy in Nagano. It's sliced thinly and served with soy sauce and ginger.
6. Hoba Miso: This is a dish made with miso paste and vegetables such as mushrooms and green onions. It's cooked on a hoba leaf, which gives it a unique flavor.
7. Trout: Nagano is home to many mountain streams and rivers that are home to trout. The fish are usually grilled or fried and served with various sauces.
I hope this helps you plan your trip to Nagano!
You can find general info about typical foods in Japan here.

Is Nagano an expensive destination for tourists?

Nagano, Japan is generally considered a moderately expensive destination for tourists. While there are some budget-friendly options for accommodations and dining, the cost of transportation and tourist attractions can add up. It's important to note that the cost of a trip to Nagano can vary depending on the time of year you visit, as well as your preferred travel style and budget. In general, peak seasons such as winter (for skiing) and the summer months (for hiking) tend to be more expensive, while shoulder or off-seasons can offer more affordability.
Overall, it's possible to visit Nagano on a budget if you plan ahead, do some research on affordable lodging and dining options, and prioritize the activities and attractions that are most important to you.

Where to find accomodation in Nagano

The best areas to find accommodation in Nagano (Japan) are: 1. Nagano Station area: convenient for transportation, and there are many restaurants and shopping options.
2. Zenko-ji Temple area: a historic and cultural area with many traditional Japanese guesthouses.
3. Hirao area: a quiet residential area with easy access to ski resorts and outdoor activities.
4. Togakushi area: a rural area with beautiful natural scenery, hiking trails and traditional hot springs.
5. Shiga Kogen area: a popular ski resort area with many hotels and lodges.
You can check hotel prices at Nagano here:
Booking.com

Is Nagano a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Nagano in Japan is generally considered to be a very safe place for tourists. The crime rate in Nagano is low, and violent crime is uncommon. However, as with any destination, tourists should always take basic precautions such as being aware of their surroundings, keeping valuable possessions secure, and following local laws and customs. It's always advisable to stay informed and to ask for advice from locals or the hotel staff on safe areas to explore, especially if traveling alone or at night.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Japan here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Nagano.

What type of travelers will enjoy Nagano the most?

Nagano is a destination that offers something for everyone. Couples may enjoy the romantic setting of the snow-covered mountains and hot springs, as well as the chance to indulge in gourmet dining and sake tasting. Young people may enjoy the adventure activities such as skiing and snowboarding, as well as the vibrant nightlife and shopping in the city center. Families can take advantage of the many family-friendly ski resorts and outdoor activities such as snowshoeing, ice skating, and sledding. Overall, Nagano is a perfect destination for those seeking a mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences.

How to get around Nagano

In Nagano, Japan, the most convenient transportation options to move around are the bus and train. There is an extensive network of buses and trains that connect all the major cities and tourist attractions within the prefecture. The train system is particularly well-developed, with frequent train services connecting the major cities in Nagano. Additionally, the bus system is available to connect the remote areas and mountainous regions in Nagano. For those who are looking for a more convenient option, renting a car is also a viable option.

What to see around Nagano

Sure, here are some nice places to visit in a day trip from Nagano, Japan: 1. Matsumoto Castle- It is one of Japan's most beautiful castles with a history dating back over 400 years.
2. Jigokudani Monkey Park- It is known for its hot springs and famous snow monkeys who come to soak in them.
3. Zenko-ji Temple- It is one of Japan's oldest and most important temples with a history of over 1400 years. 4. The Kiso Valley- It is a picturesque region that offers scenic hikes, beautiful views, and traditional old towns, including Magome and Tsumago.
5. Kamikochi- It is a stunning mountain resort with breathtaking views of the Japanese Alps, hiking and trekking trails, and clear rivers.
6. Obuse- It is a charming town famous for its chestnut confections and the Hokusai Museum, which features works by the famous Japanese artist.
7. Takamine Plateau- It is a beautiful highland that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, meadows, and forests, and various outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and paragliding.
I hope you find this useful for planning your trip!
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