Nagano: Snow Monkeys, Majestic Mountains, Historic Castles

Where is Nagano?

Nagano Prefecture, nestled in central Japan, is a treasure trove of natural beauty and historical wonders. The region is adorned with majestic mountains like the Northern Alps and Yatsugatake, offering breathtaking scenery throughout the seasons.

Visitors can relax in renowned hot spring resorts such as Yudanaka Onsen and Shibu Onsen. History enthusiasts will marvel at Matsumoto Castle, Japan's oldest existing castle tower, and the revered Zenkoji Temple. Nature lovers can explore Kamikochi and Hakuba for hiking and skiing adventures.

Central Nagano Area

About 1 hour 30 minutes from Tokyo station by trains.

Zenkoji Temple

Zenkoji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Nagano, Japan, founded in the 7th century, and is home to Japan's oldest statue of the Amida Nyorai. The main hall of Zenkoji Temple was rebuilt in the Edo period (1603-1867) and is designated as a national treasure.

Once every seven years, a special event called "Gokaicho" is held, which attracts many worshippers during this period. Visitors can also experience the "Okaidan Meguri," a walk in the dark, which is a symbolic act of attaining enlightenment.

Zenkoji Temple is a place of deep faith and a tourist attraction worth visiting.

Jigokudani Monkey Park : JIGOKUDANI YAEN-KOEN

Jigokudani Yaen-Koen is a nature park and is famous as a place where wild Japanese monkeys can be seen bathing in hot springs. The sight of the monkeys soaking in the hot springs during the winter months is especially popular, attracting many tourists from Japan and abroad.

The park is located at an altitude of 850 meters and is surrounded by mountains in a beautiful natural environment. The monkeys live freely and can be observed in their natural behavior. Access to the park requires a short walk, but it is possible to visit through well-maintained paths.

Jigokudani Yaen-Koen is a sightseeing spot where visitors can enjoy a unique experience and beautiful nature.

Yudanaka Hot Spring

Yudanaka Onsen is a hot spring resort with a long history. This hot spring has been gushing for about 1,300 years and is said to be good for beautiful skin and relieving fatigue.

Yudanaka Onsen has many inns and public bathhouses, and visitors can enjoy a variety of hot springs while strolling through the hot spring resort. It is also conveniently located near the Jigokudani Yaen-Koen, where you can enjoy both sightseeing and hot springs. It is easily accessible by train and bus, making it easy to visit.

You can spend a relaxing time in Yudanaka Onsen surrounded by history and nature.

Shibu Hot Spring

Shibu Onsen is a historic hot spring resort with a history of approximately 1,300 years, and has been known as an elegant hot spring resort since the Edo period.

There are nine out-spa (public bathhouses) in Shibu Onsen, and visitors can enjoy a hot spring tour called "Kyutoh-meguri. These out-spa bathhouses are open not only to overnight guests but also to day-trippers. The hot spring resort area is lined with cobblestone streets and wooden ryokan (Japanese-style inns), offering a taste of good old Japan.

It is also close to Jigokudani Yaen-Koen and Yudanaka Onsen, making it a convenient base for sightseeing. Shibu Onsen attracts visitors with its elegant hot spring town atmosphere and abundant hot spring water.

Matsumoto Area

About 1 hour from Nagano station by trains.

Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle, located in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, is a Japanese national treasure and the oldest surviving five-story, six-story castle keep.

Matsumoto Castle is a well-preserved example of castle architecture from the Warring States period, with moats and stonewalls remaining as they were in those days. From the castle tower, one can view the beautiful city of Matsumoto and the mountains of the Northern Alps, and enjoy the scenery of the four seasons.

Matsumoto Castle has high historical value and is a popular tourist attraction for many people.

Nawate Shopping Street

Nawate-dori is an elegant shopping street in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. The street is a reproduction of an Edo period street with cobblestone pavement and old-fashioned buildings, providing a nostalgic atmosphere.

Nawate-dori is lined with souvenir stores, restaurants, and cafes where visitors can purchase local specialties and crafts. Seasonal events are also held here, attracting many tourists. It is a charming spot where visitors can enjoy a stroll and get a taste of the history and culture of Matsumoto City.

Nakamachi Shopping Street

Nakamachi-dori is a historic shopping street in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. It has flourished as a merchant town since the Edo period (1603-1867), and traditional storehouse-style buildings still remain today. These buildings are characterized by white walls and black roof tiles, forming a beautiful streetscape.

The streets are lined with craft stores, restaurants, and cafes where visitors can enjoy local specialties and souvenirs. There are also art galleries and stores in renovated old houses, allowing visitors to enjoy a stroll while experiencing culture and history.

Nakamachi-dori is a popular tourist spot where visitors can experience the history and culture of Matsumoto City.

Kamikochi

Kamikochi is a beautiful mountain resort located in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. Located at an elevation of approximately 1,500 meters above sea level, it is surrounded by the mountains of the Northern Alps and is rich in nature. Kamikochi is known as one of Japan's leading tourist destinations because of its pristine nature and beautiful scenery.

Centered around Kappa-bashi Bridge, there are walking trails along the beautiful Azusa River and mountain climbing routes such as Mt. Hotaka and Mt. Yake. Visitors can enjoy nature in all four seasons, especially during the season of fresh greenery and autumn leaves, which attract many tourists.

Kamikochi is accessible by bus or cab, as vehicles are restricted for nature conservation. It is an ideal place to refresh and enjoy the pristine natural environment and clean air.

Asama Hot Spring

Asama Onsen is a hot spring resort with a long history located in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. It is said to have been opened approximately 1,300 years ago, and has been a popular therapeutic hot spring since ancient times. Located at an elevation of approximately 600 meters above sea level, it is conveniently accessible as it is close to the Matsumoto city center.

The hot spring is an alkaline simple hot spring and is said to be good for beautiful skin and relieving fatigue. Many inns and hotels line the streets, and visitors can enjoy various hot spring facilities such as open-air baths and private baths. There are also many historical buildings and shrines in the area to enjoy strolling around.

Asama Onsen is an ideal hot spring resort to visit in combination with sightseeing in Matsumoto City, offering healing and relaxation.

Karuizawa Area

About 1 hour from Tokyo station by trains.

Old Karuizawa Ginza Street

Old Karuizawa Ginza Street is a popular tourist spot in the town of Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture. Located in the center of Karuizawa, a famous summer resort, the street combines history with a fashionable atmosphere.

The street is lined with numerous cafes, restaurants, boutiques, and souvenir stores where visitors can enjoy local specialties and handmade items. The street is especially crowded with tourists in summer and fall, when visitors can enjoy strolling and shopping.

Old Karuizawa Ginza Street combines the historical atmosphere of Karuizawa with modern charm, making it a popular area for families and couples.

Karuizawa Taliesin

Karuizawa Taliesin is a comprehensive resort facility located in the town of Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities and cultural experiences in the beautiful natural setting centering on Lake Shiozawa.

The facility includes Lake Shiozawa for boating, an art gallery, a literature museum, and an English-style garden. There are also a variety of family-friendly attractions such as go-karts, mini-golf, and a barbecue area.

Karuizawa Taliesin is a charming resort that combines nature and culture and is the perfect place to spend some relaxing time.

Karuizawa Shiraito Falls

Shiraito Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in Karuizawa Town, Nagano Prefecture. The waterfall is approximately 70 meters wide and 3 meters high, and is characterized by its delicate, white thread-like cascade.

The volume of water in this waterfall is stable throughout the year, and the beautiful scenery can be enjoyed at any time of the year. Especially during the season of fresh green foliage and autumn leaves, the waterfall offers a spectacular view in combination with the surrounding nature.

Shiraito Falls is easily accessible by car, and a promenade is maintained around the falls, allowing visitors to enjoy nature while strolling around. It is one of the most popular tourist spots in Karuizawa.

Kumoba Pond

Kumoba Pond is a beautiful pond located in the town of Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture. Also known as "Swan Lake," as the name implies, swans can be seen swimming here. Surrounded by trees, the quiet environment allows visitors to enjoy the changes in nature from season to season.

Fresh greenery and flowers in spring and summer, autumn leaves in fall, and beautiful snowy scenery in winter are ideal for photography and strolling. A promenade is maintained around the pond, allowing visitors to enjoy nature while walking slowly.

Easily accessible from the center of Karuizawa, Kumoba Pond is an ideal spot for sightseeing and relaxing.