Nagano Travel Recommendations

Nagano Prefecture is located in the central region of Honshu, Japan’s main island. It is known for its natural beauty, ancient history, and cultural heritage. The prefecture covers an area of 13,585 square kilometers and has a population of approximately 2 million people. Nagano prefecture is filled with spectacular mountains, pristine rivers, and traditional Japanese towns that are hotspots for tourists every year. The prefecture is also famous for hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics, which propelled it to a world-renowned travel destination.

How to Get to Nagano from Tokyo

Nagano Prefecture is easily accessible from Tokyo via plane or train. The fastest and most convenient way to get to Nagano is by taking the Hokuriku Shinkansen, also known as the Nagano Shinkansen. The train journey from Tokyo to Nagano takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Once you arrive at Nagano city, you can take local buses or trains to explore the prefecture.

If you prefer a more scenic route, you can take the JR Shinetsu Main Line from Tokyo to Nagano. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, but you get a chance to see the beautiful countryside of Japan along the way.

The prefecture also has three airports – Matsumoto Airport, Toyama Airport, and Komatsu Airport. All the airports have regular flights from Tokyo and other cities in Japan.

Best Season to Visit Nagano

The best season to visit Nagano Prefecture depends on your interests. If you love winter sports, the winter season between December and February is ideal. Nagano hosted the Winter Olympics in 1998, so there are many skiing and snowboarding resorts to choose from.

For those interested in visiting the historical sites of Nagano Prefecture or enjoying its natural beauty, the season between April and November is recommended. During these months, the weather is mild, and the natural scenery is breathtaking.

Must-See Places in Nagano

Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle is an ancient castle that is over 400 years old and is a cultural treasure of Japan. The castle is located in Matsumoto city and is famous for its black-and-white facades.

Zenko-ji Temple

Zenko-ji Temple – is a 1400-year-old Buddhist temple located in Nagano city. It is one of the most culturally significant temples in Japan and is a source of spiritual inspiration for many Japanese people.

The Japanese Alps

The Japanese Alps run through Nagano and are breathtakingly beautiful. They offer scenic hiking trails with stunning views of the forests and mountains. Mount Fuji is also visible from the Japanese Alps.

Snow Monkey Park

Located in the Jigokudani Yaen-Koen region, the Snow Monkey Park is a unique attraction that highlights the Japanese Macaques bathing in hot spring baths.

Kamikochi

Kamikochi is a scenic mountain valley located in the Northern Alps of Nagano. It is a popular destination for hiking and offers spectacular views of the Japanese Alps.

Daio Wasabi Farm

Daio Wasabi Farm is a charming farm that grows Wasabi, a plant that is essential in Japanese cuisine. The farm is a great location for a day trip, offers guided tours, and sells souvenirs made from Wasabi.

Shirahone Onsen

Shirahone Onsen is a hot spring resort located in the Nagano mountains. The spring water is known to have various healing properties and is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery.

Nozawa Onsen

Nozawa Onsen is a charming hot spring village nestled in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, Japan. It is renowned for its traditional atmosphere, picturesque streets, and abundant hot springs. The village has a rich history dating back over 1,300 years and offers visitors an authentic Japanese onsen experience. With numerous public baths and ryokans (traditional inns) offering private bathing facilities, visitors can immerse themselves in the soothing thermal waters. Nozawa Onsen also boasts excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities during the winter season, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The village’s unique blend of hot springs, traditional architecture, and natural beauty make it a delightful retreat for relaxation and recreation.

Cuisines you can enjoy in Nagano

Shinshu soba

Shinshu soba (all over Nagano prefecture): Thin noodles made from buckwheat flour, eaten with dipping sauce and condiments. Shinshu soba is famous in Japan, and there are many soba restaurants in Nagano prefecture.

Oyaki

A steamed or baked dumpling with a skin made from buckwheat or wheat flour and a filling of vegetables or beans. Oyaki is a traditional home-cooked dish in Shinshu, and it is popular as a snack or a light meal.

Horse meat dishes

Horse meat is a specialty of Nagano prefecture, and it is used in various dishes such as sashimi, grilled meat, and shabu-shabu. Horse meat is low in calories and high in protein, and it is said to be delicious and nutritious.

Shinshu salmon

Shinshu salmon is a collective term for freshwater fish such as yamame and iwana that are raised in the rivers of Nagano prefecture. Shinshu salmon is eaten as grilled, smoked, or dried fish.

Milk bread

Milk bread is a fluffy bread that uses a lot of milk and has custard cream or jam inside. Milk bread has been made in Nagano prefecture since the early Showa period, and it is loved by people of all ages.

Nozawana pickles

Nozawana pickles are made by pickling nozawana, a kind of radish, with salt and rice bran. Nozawana pickles are fermented food, and they are useful as a preserved food in winter. They are also used in miso soup or stir-fried dishes.

Oshibori udon

Oshibori udon is made by stretching the udon dough by hand and boiling it. Oshibori udon has a thick and chewy texture, and it is eaten with miso soup or curry.

Ankake yakisoba

Ankake yakisoba is yakisoba with a tomato-based sauce on top. Ankake yakisoba is a specialty of the northern part of Nagano prefecture, and the noodles are often thick and firm.

Shinshu miso

Shinshu miso is miso made from fermenting soybeans or rice, and it has been made in Nagano prefecture since ancient times. Shinshu miso has a dark color and a rich flavor, and it is used in miso ramen or miso nikomi udon.

Kuri kanoko

Kuri kanoko is a Japanese sweet that consists of chestnut simmered in syrup wrapped in white bean paste. Kuri kanoko is a representative souvenir of Nagano prefecture, and the sweetness of the chestnut and the subtle saltiness of the white bean paste match perfectly.

Recommended Accommodations in Nagano

Myojinkan

Myojinkan is a traditional inn located in Tobira Onsen, one of the three most secluded hot springs in Japan. The inn has a long history dating back to the Edo period. All rooms are detached and have open-air baths. The hot spring water is natural and has a skin-beautifying effect. The cuisine is creative Japanese food using local ingredients that change with the seasons.

Ryokan Mochizuki

Ryokan Mochizuki is a luxury inn located at the foot of Mt. Yatsugatake. All rooms have open-air baths where you can enjoy the panoramic views of Mt. Yatsugatake and the Southern Alps. The hot spring water is from a private source and contains sulfur, which has relaxing and skin-beautifying effects. The cuisine is Japanese food using local vegetables, wild plants, river fish and other ingredients that reflect the four seasons.

Hotel Bleston Court

Hotel Bleston Court is a luxury hotel located in Karuizawa. All rooms are suites with spacious spaces and refined interiors. The hotel has restaurants, bars, a library and other facilities. There are also various activities to enjoy the nature and culture of Karuizawa.

Ryokan Shinshutei

Ryokan Shinshutei is a luxury inn located on the shore of Lake Suwa. All rooms face the lake and offer beautiful views of Lake Suwa. The hot spring water is from four different sources around the lake, each with different characteristics. The cuisine is kaiseki food using Shinshu ingredients that can be enjoyed with both eyes and tongue.

Hotel Associa Matsumoto

Hotel Associa Matsumoto is a luxury hotel located in Matsumoto city. The rooms are simple and modern in design and offer a comfortable stay. The hotel has restaurants, bars, an esthetic salon and other facilities. It is also easy to access tourist spots such as Matsumoto Castle and Kamikochi.

Ryokan Takaseya

Ryokan Takaseya is a luxury inn located in Kamikochi. All rooms are Japanese-style and have a calm atmosphere that makes you feel the nature of Kamikochi.

Ryokan Furusato

Ryokan Furusato is a luxury inn located in Shinano Omachi. All rooms have open-air baths where you can enjoy the magnificent views of the Hakuba mountain range. The hot spring water is from a private source and is alkaline simple spring, which has a gentle and smooth touch on the skin. The cuisine is Japanese food using local ingredients that change with the seasons.

Hotel Brienza Court

Hotel Brienza Court is a luxury hotel located in Karuizawa. All rooms are suites and offer beautiful views of the garden and forest. The hotel has restaurants, bars, a spa and other facilities. There are also various activities to enjoy the nature and culture of Karuizawa.

Ryokan Ichiryuya

Ryokan Ichiryuya is a luxury inn located in Iida. All rooms have open-air baths where you can enjoy the flow of the Tenryu River and the views of the mountains. The hot spring water is from a private source and is sodium-calcium chloride spring, which has effects on neuralgia, muscle pain and other conditions. The cuisine is Japanese food using local ingredients that offer seasonal flavors.

Ryokan Nagatoya

Ryokan Nagatoya is a luxury inn located in Yudanaka Shibu Onsen. All rooms have open-air baths where you can enjoy the views of the stream and the mountains. The hot spring water is from a private source and is sulfur spring, which has skin-beautifying and relaxing effects. The cuisine is Japanese food using local ingredients such as Shinshu beef and Shinshu salmon.

Conclusion

Nagano Prefecture offers a wealth of cultural and historical landmarks along with natural beauty that draws a lot of tourists from around the world. Visitors can discover the stunning beauty of the Nagano mountains, learn about the historic city of Nagano, and sample traditional Japanese culture along the way. Whether you are interested in skiing or snowboarding, enjoying the hot springs, or exploring the magnificent temples, Nagano gives visitors enough options to enjoy a variety of experiences. It is an excellent destination that is easily accessible from Tokyo and offers stunning attractions that are sure to leave visitors enchanted.