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NAGANO

Gateway to the Japanese Alps, the ancient Zenko-ji temple, bathing snow monkeys, alpine trails, and handmade soba. 58 curated spots.

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Must See

Icons & Landmarks

Castle ruins, architectural wonders, and centuries of local heritage.

Nagano Olympic Park
Landmarks

Nagano Olympic Park

Legacy of the 1998 Winter Olympics. M-Wave speed skating arena, the ski jump stands, and the Olympic Museum. The facilities are well-maintained and some host sporting events.

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Kawanakajima Battlefield
Landmarks

Kawanakajima Battlefield

Site of five legendary battles between warlords Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin. A park with a dramatic bronze statue of their famous duel on horseback. Important samurai history site.

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Bessho Onsen (Nagano)
Experiences

Bessho Onsen (Nagano)

Hidden onsen town with three free public baths and the stunning Anrakuji Temple with Japan's only octagonal three-story pagoda. The...

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Togakushi Ninja Village & Soba
Experiences

Togakushi Ninja Village & Soba

Ninja training ground turned family attraction, plus Japan's most famous soba noodle district. The hand-made Togakushi soba is served on...

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Jigokudani Snow Monkey Onsen Bath
Experiences

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Onsen Bath

The actual hot spring pool where wild macaques bathe, the monkeys choose to soak here in winter. The steam rising from the water around...

monkeysonsenphotography
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Sacred Nagano

Temples & Shrines

Gold-leafed mausoleums, national treasure shrines, and mountain temples.

Zenkoji Temple
Culture & History

Zenkoji Temple

One of Japan's most visited temples (7 million pilgrims yearly). Houses Japan's first Buddhist statue. The underground passage (Okaidan) in pitch darkness lets you touch the 'key to paradise.' Non-denominational.

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Togakushi Shrine
Culture & History

Togakushi Shrine

Ancient mountain shrine complex with five sub-shrines connected by forest trails. The approach through 400-year-old cryptomeria trees is one of Japan's most breathtaking paths. Togakushi soba is famous.

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Iroha-do Temple
Culture & History

Iroha-do Temple

Small temple near Zenkoji with a beautiful garden. Less visited than the main temple but equally atmospheric. The moss garden in particular is stunning after rain.

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Togakushi Shrine Middle Shrine
Culture & History

Togakushi Shrine Middle Shrine

The middle shrine (Chusha) has the most impressive cryptomeria avenue. 400-year-old trees line the approach, creating a natural cathedral. The forest atmosphere is sacred and timeless.

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Togakushi Shrine Inner Shrine
Culture & History

Togakushi Shrine Inner Shrine

The innermost shrine (Okusha) requires a 2km forest walk. The final approach through ancient cedars is one of Japan's most beautiful walks. The shrine itself is small but the journey is everything.

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Obuse Ganshoin Temple Hokusai Ceiling
Culture & History

Obuse Ganshoin Temple Hokusai Ceiling

Temple with an 8-tatami-mat ceiling painting by Hokusai, completed when he was 89 years old. A fierce phoenix surrounded by ocean waves. The detail and energy are incredible for an artist of that age.

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Obuse Hokusai Museum Nagano
Culture & History

Obuse Hokusai Museum Nagano

The town where Katsushika Hokusai spent his final years, the museum has his late masterworks including the phoenix ceiling painting at...

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Zenko-ji Temple Nagano
Culture & History

Zenko-ji Temple Nagano

One of Japan's most important temples, houses the first Buddhist statue ever to arrive in Japan (6th century). The pitch-black 'Key to...

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Explore

Districts & Streets

Zelkova-lined avenues, lively arcades, and a lively local nightlife scene.

Zenkoji Temple Approach (Nakamise)
Shopping

Zenkoji Temple Approach (Nakamise)

700m shopping street leading to Zenkoji. Traditional souvenirs, Shinshu soba shops, oyaki dumpling stands, and craft stores. Seven lucky god statues hide along the route. Beautiful stone-paved road.

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Nagano Izakaya (Gondo Area)
Nightlife

Nagano Izakaya (Gondo Area)

Main entertainment district near the city center. Dense cluster of izakayas serving Shinshu cuisine: horse sashimi, nozawana pickles, Shinshu beef, and local sake. Lively after dark.

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Nagano Craft Market
Shopping

Nagano Craft Market

Seasonal craft markets on the Zenkoji temple approach. Local woodworking, ceramics, textiles, and food products. The carved wooden crafts using mountain timber are particularly nice.

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Nagano Station Zenkoji Exit Walking Street
Districts

Nagano Station Zenkoji Exit Walking Street

The walk from Nagano Station to Zenkoji is a 2km journey through the city's history. Traditional shops, modern boutiques, and restaurants line the way. The gradual approach builds anticipation.

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Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza
Shopping

Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza

One of Japan's largest outlet malls set against mountain scenery. Over 240 stores. The mountain air and lake setting make outlet shopping feel like a resort experience. 30 min by Shinkansen.

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Matsushiro Samurai District
Districts

Matsushiro Samurai District

Well-preserved samurai residences and gardens. The Sanada clan ruled from here for 250 years. Walking the quiet streets feels like stepping back to the Edo period. 30 min from Nagano center.

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Local Eats

Local Food & Dining

Nagano is packed with standout local eats. Come hungry.

Togakushi Soba
Food & Drink

Togakushi Soba

Mountain soba noodles made with buckwheat grown in the highland climate. Served on bamboo baskets called bocchi-mori with tempura. The cold climate gives Togakushi buckwheat a distinct nutty flavor. Multiple excellent shops.

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Shinshu Soba
Food & Drink

Shinshu Soba

Nagano prefecture produces more buckwheat than any region in Japan. The soba here is noticeably different from city soba. Hand-cut, nutty, and served simply to showcase the flour quality.

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Oyaki (Stuffed Dumplings)
Food & Drink

Oyaki (Stuffed Dumplings)

Nagano's signature snack. Buckwheat or wheat dumplings stuffed with wild vegetables, nozawana pickles, or sweet red bean. Grilled on a griddle or steamed. Available warm from street vendors.

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Obuse Chestnut Sweets
Food & Drink

Obuse Chestnut Sweets

Obuse is famous for Marron d'Obuse chestnuts. Mont blanc, chestnut yokan, kuriokowa (chestnut rice), and chestnut soft serve. Kosugeya and Obuse-Do are the top shops. Peak season September-October.

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Shinshu Beef
Food & Drink

Shinshu Beef

Nagano-raised wagyu beef. Less famous than Kobe or Hida but excellent quality. The mountain pastures and clean air produce well-marbled, flavorful meat. Available as steak, yakiniku, and shabu-shabu.

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Apple Orchards (Nagano)
Food & Drink

Apple Orchards (Nagano)

Nagano produces more apples than any other prefecture. Farm visits for apple picking September-November. Fresh apple juice, apple cider, and apple pies at roadside stands throughout the prefecture.

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Nozawana Pickles
Food & Drink

Nozawana Pickles

Nagano's iconic pickle. Nozawana leaves pickled in salt and pressed under heavy stones. Slightly sour and very green. Served at nearly every meal in Nagano. Critical side dish for soba.

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Nagano Miso (Shinshu Miso)
Food & Drink

Nagano Miso (Shinshu Miso)

Nagano produces more miso than any other prefecture. Shinshu miso has a lighter, less salty flavor. Visit miso factories in the Zenkoji area for tastings and to buy freshly packed miso.

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Nagano Horse Sashimi
Food & Drink

Nagano Horse Sashimi

Nagano is one of the few places in Japan serving basashi (raw horse meat). Thinly sliced, served with ginger and soy sauce. The meat is lean, slightly sweet, and surprisingly tender.

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Shinshu Nozawana Onigiri
Food & Drink

Shinshu Nozawana Onigiri

Rice balls wrapped in nozawana pickle leaves instead of nori seaweed. The pickle adds a sour crunch. Available at convenience stores and station shops throughout Nagano. Simple perfection.

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Nagano Ramen (Shinshu Miso Ramen)
Food & Drink

Nagano Ramen (Shinshu Miso Ramen)

Local ramen style using Shinshu miso for the broth base. Thick, rich, and deeply savory. Mountain vegetables and local pork. Warms you after cold-weather activities.

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Jigokudani Snow Monkey Express Bus
Practical

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Express Bus

Direct bus from Nagano Station to the Snow Monkey Park trailhead. 40 minutes. Then a 30-minute walk through the forest to the monkey pool.

transportsnow-monkeysbus
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Magome & Tsumago Post Towns
Village

Magome & Tsumago Post Towns

Preserved Edo-period post towns. 8km hike between them through mountains. Time capsule villages.

Village
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Matsumoto Castle
Castle

Matsumoto Castle

National Treasure. One of Japan's best-preserved original castles. Black crow castle. Stunning with Alps backdrop.

Castle
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Nawate Street (Frog Street)
Shopping

Nawate Street (Frog Street)

Charming merchant street with frog theme. Traditional shops, cafes, antiques.

Shopping
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Nakamachi Street
Shopping

Nakamachi Street

Historic merchant area. Kurazukuri warehouses, craft shops, sake tasting.

Shopping
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Matsumoto City Museum of Art
Museum

Matsumoto City Museum of Art

Yayoi Kusama permanent collection. Giant polka-dot sculptures outside. Contemporary art.

Museum
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Hakuba Ski Resort
Skiing

Hakuba Ski Resort

1998 Olympics. World-class skiing

Skiing
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Utsukushigahara Open Air Museum
Museum

Utsukushigahara Open Air Museum

Alpine meadow sculpture park at 2000m. Views

Museum
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Nagano Oyaki
Food

Nagano Oyaki

Stuffed dumplings. Local specialty at Zenkoji area

Food
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Matsumoto Soba Shops
Food

Matsumoto Soba Shops

Buckwheat soba in mountain region. Multiple shops

Food
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Mountains & Bay

Nature & Scenic Views

Matsushima Bay, volcanic crater lakes, and fox-filled mountains.

Jigokudani Monkey Park
Nature & Outdoors

Jigokudani Monkey Park

World-famous snow monkeys bathing in natural hot springs. Troops of Japanese macaques soak in steaming outdoor pools surrounded by snow-covered mountains. Open year-round but winter is most dramatic. 45 min from Nagano.

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Togakushi Buckwheat Fields
Nature & Outdoors

Togakushi Buckwheat Fields

In late September, fields of white buckwheat flowers bloom around Togakushi. The delicate white blooms against the mountain backdrop are beautiful. This is where the famous soba flour comes from.

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Karuizawa Shiraito Falls
Nature & Outdoors

Karuizawa Shiraito Falls

Delicate curtain waterfall where water seeps through volcanic rock and falls in thin threads. 3m tall and 70m wide. The gentle cascade is more elegant than powerful. Beautiful in all seasons.

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Hakuba Mountain Hiking
Nature & Outdoors

Hakuba Mountain Hiking

World-class alpine hiking in summer. The Happo-one trail offers views of the Northern Alps peaks. Alpine flowers bloom July-August. Gondola and chairlift access makes high-altitude hiking accessible.

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Suzaka Cherry Blossom Garden
Nature & Outdoors

Suzaka Cherry Blossom Garden

One of Japan's top 100 cherry blossom sites. Over 600 trees bloom simultaneously. The sakura canopy is thick enough to block out the sky. Combined with Suzaka Zoo makes a great spring day trip.

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Obuse Open Garden Walk
Nature & Outdoors

Obuse Open Garden Walk

Residents of Obuse open their private gardens to visitors. Over 100 gardens participate. Each garden reflects its owner's personality. The community openness is rare and touching.

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Nagano Autumn Foliage Drive
Nature & Outdoors

Nagano Autumn Foliage Drive

Drive through the Nagano mountains during peak autumn color (mid-October). The route from Togakushi through highland plateaus is one of Japan's finest foliage drives. Larches turn golden.

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Magome-Tsumago Nakasendo Walk
Nature & Outdoors

Magome-Tsumago Nakasendo Walk

8km preserved section of the Edo-period highway between Kyoto and Tokyo, walk between two perfectly preserved post towns through...

trailedopost-towns
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Kiso Valley Nakasendo Trail
Hiking

Kiso Valley Nakasendo Trail

Village-to-village walk on ancient Nakasendo road. Preserved post towns: Magome and Tsumago.

Hiking
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Kamikochi Valley
Nature

Kamikochi Valley

Pristine alpine valley. Kappa Bridge, crystal-clear rivers, mountain hiking. Day trip from Matsumoto.

Nature
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Rikugien Garden
Garden

Rikugien Garden

Edo-era strolling garden. Night illumination

Garden
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Immerse Yourself

Experiences & Culture

Hot springs, whisky distilleries, festivals, and one-of-a-kind encounters.

Hokusai Museum (Obuse)
Culture & History

Hokusai Museum (Obuse)

Museum dedicated to Katsushika Hokusai's late works. The stunning wave and phoenix ceiling paintings he created at age 89 are magnificent. The festival float ceiling is a masterpiece. Small but world-class.

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Matsushiro Underground Imperial Headquarters
Culture & History

Matsushiro Underground Imperial Headquarters

Secret WWII tunnels dug to relocate the Imperial government in case of invasion. 10km of tunnels carved by forced labor. Sobering historical site. Partially open to public. 30 min from Nagano center.

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Nagano Sake (Masuichi Ichimura)
Food & Drink

Nagano Sake (Masuichi Ichimura)

Historic sake brewery in Obuse town. Their Squall sake is a seasonal fresh-pressed unpasteurized brew that sells out instantly. The tasting room also serves excellent food.

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Nagano Cider House
Food & Drink

Nagano Cider House

Hard apple cider is growing in Nagano. Several craft cider producers use local apples. Tasting rooms offer flights of different apple varietals. Refreshing alternative to sake and beer.

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Nagano Buddhist Art Museum
Culture & History

Nagano Buddhist Art Museum

Collection of Buddhist sculptures and art from temples throughout the region. Excellent carved wooden Buddha figures. Complements the Zenkoji temple visit with historical context.

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Togakure Ninja Village
Experiences

Togakure Ninja Village

Theme attraction near Togakushi Shrine about the Togakure ninja school (one of three original schools). Ninja houses with hidden doors, throwing star practice, and obstacle courses. Fun for families.

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Shinshu Wine
Food & Drink

Shinshu Wine

Nagano is Japan's second-largest wine region. Multiple wineries in the foothills. The Chateau Mercian and Manns Wine offer tastings. High-altitude vineyards produce distinctive Japanese wines.

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Nagano City Museum
Culture & History

Nagano City Museum

City history museum covering the region from prehistoric to modern times. Good exhibits on the Zenkoji pilgrimage tradition and the transformation from feudal domain to Olympic host city.

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Zenkoji Temple Okaidan
Experiences

Zenkoji Temple Okaidan

Underground passage beneath the main altar in total darkness. Feel along the wall until you touch the 'key to paradise' (a metal lock). Granting it ensures entry to the Pure Land. Profound spiritual experience.

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Zenkoji Morning Service (Ojuzu Chodai)
Experiences

Zenkoji Morning Service (Ojuzu Chodai)

Attend the 5:30am morning prayer service. The head priest walks among kneeling worshippers, touching each person's head with prayer beads for a blessing. Open to all faiths. Moving and powerful.

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Snow Monkey Onsen Viewing
Experiences

Snow Monkey Onsen Viewing

The best time to see monkeys bathing is winter mornings. Snow covers their fur as they soak in steaming water. The 30-minute forest walk to the park is part of the experience.

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Obuse Walking Tour
Experiences

Obuse Walking Tour

The entire town is walkable in 2-3 hours. Chestnut tree-lined paths, sake breweries, art galleries, and traditional houses. Small-town Japan at its most charming. Cycling also available.

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Nagano Zenkoji Gokaicho
Experiences

Nagano Zenkoji Gokaicho

Every 6-7 years, the hidden main deity is displayed to the public (next around 2028). Millions of pilgrims attend. The atmosphere during Gokaicho is electrifying. A once-in-a-decade event.

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Jigokudani Valley Hot Springs
Experiences

Jigokudani Valley Hot Springs

Multiple hot spring ryokan in the valley near the monkey park. Stay overnight to visit the monkeys at dawn before crowds arrive. The mountain onsen experience is authentic Nagano.

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Nagano Olympic Museum
Culture & History

Nagano Olympic Museum

Museum documenting the 1998 Winter Olympics. Memorabilia, athlete stories, and the community impact. Small but nostalgic for those who remember the Games. Inside the M-Wave arena.

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Nagano Shinano Wine Trail
Food & Drink

Nagano Shinano Wine Trail

Wine trail connecting multiple wineries in the Kikyogahara area. The high altitude and temperature variation produce distinctive wines. Chardonnay and Merlot are the signature grapes.

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Togakushi Children's Ninja Village
Experiences

Togakushi Children's Ninja Village

Outdoor ninja adventure park for all ages. Rope courses, water crossings, hidden passages, and throwing star practice. Set in the forest near the shrines. More athletic than the history museum.

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Nagano Craft Beer (Shiga Kogen Beer)
Food & Drink

Nagano Craft Beer (Shiga Kogen Beer)

Craft brewery at the ski resort elevation. Their IPA and porter use mountain spring water. Available at the brewery taproom and select Nagano bars. Clean, crisp mountain-brewed beer.

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Zenoji Seven Lucky Gods Walk
Experiences

Zenoji Seven Lucky Gods Walk

Seven statues of good fortune gods hidden along the approach to Zenkoji. Finding all seven is said to bring good luck. A fun scavenger hunt while walking to the temple.

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Nagano Wasabi Farm Visit
Experiences

Nagano Wasabi Farm Visit

Nagano grows some of Japan's finest wasabi in clear mountain streams. Visit a wasabi farm, taste fresh grated wasabi (nothing like tube wasabi), and buy wasabi products.

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Beyond Nagano

Day Trips

UNESCO temples, cliffside shrines, and some of Japan's best onsen towns.

Nozawa Onsen
Day Trips

Nozawa Onsen

Traditional hot spring village with 13 free public baths. The Ogama communal cooking pool where villagers boil vegetables in 90-degree water. Excellent skiing in winter. 1 hour from Nagano.

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Obuse (Hokusai Town)
Day Trips

Obuse (Hokusai Town)

Small town where legendary ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai spent his final years. Hokusai Museum displays painted ceiling of a festival float. Chestnut desserts are the specialty. 30 min from Nagano.

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Matsumoto Connection
Day Trips

Matsumoto Connection

Matsumoto (black castle, craft town) is just 50 minutes from Nagano by train. Combined Nagano-Matsumoto trips are common. The Shinano line passes through beautiful mountain scenery.

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Karuizawa (Highland Resort)
Day Trips

Karuizawa (Highland Resort)

Elegant highland resort town popular since the Meiji era. Cool summers, beautiful autumn foliage, shopping outlets, and the Shiraito Falls. 30 min from Nagano by Shinkansen.

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Hakuba (Olympic Ski Village)
Day Trips

Hakuba (Olympic Ski Village)

Site of the 1998 Olympic ski jumping. World-class powder skiing in winter, alpine hiking and climbing in summer. The views of the Northern Alps are staggering. 1.5 hours from Nagano.

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Suzaka Zoo
Day Trips

Suzaka Zoo

Small city zoo near Nagano famous for the 'snow monkey park' connection. Also known for unique animal crossings and family-friendly atmosphere. 20 min from Nagano.

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