Nagano - Best Things to Do, See, and Eat in Japan’s Mystical Mountainous Region

What Is Nagano Famous For?

Nagano is located in the heart of Japan’s largest island, Honshu, and borders the prefectures of Niigata, Toyama, Gifu, Aichi, Shizuoka, Yamanashi, Saitama, and Gunma. Although situated in central Japan, Nagano’s northernmost edges extend into the Hokuriku region, an area of prefectures bordering the Sea of Japan, often grouping Nagano into this region as well. Additionally, Nagano’s unique central location within the Northern Alps makes it an ideal destination for winter sports, as seen during the 1998 Winter Olympics and still enthusiastically enjoyed today.

With a population of around 2 million residents, Nagano has consistently ranked as one of the most desirable prefectures to live in across Japan.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Nagano?

Nagano is blessed with a well-balanced four seasons and, due its diverse geography, temperatures can greatly vary throughout the prefecture. Autumn provides the cool colorful foliage and spring brings the wind, but visiting in the colder months is definitely recommended.

As we’ve said, Nagano is a magnet for skiers, snowboarders, and winter aficionados, with 71 ski resorts dotting the prefecture. With temperatures resting between -10 to -14 degrees celsius, Nagano winters involve consistent and heavy snowfall around the northwestern mountains, and heavy snowfall throughout the prefecture when a low-pressure system moves across the southern coast.

Conversely, summer in Nagano means warm—even hot—weather, ranging between 19 to 24 degrees, with a preferable dry heat. Summer also heralds the rainy season, which can result in torrential downpours, occasionally accompanied by hail in some areas. But don’t let a little water stop you! There are just as many things to do in summer as in winter, such as kayaking, canoeing, cycling or simply enjoying leisurely walks. 

How to Get There

As Nagano prefecture is in the center of Japan’s biggest island, it is relatively easy to get there via trains from bigger cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya. From Tokyo, the fastest and most comfortable way to reach Nagano City is by way of the Hokuriku Shinkansen with around 80 minutes of travel time.

Rather than simply buy a round-trip ticket at full price, you can take full advantage of several discounted passes with unlimited stops, like the JR East pass for the Nagano, Niigata area, as well as the Hokuriku Arch Pass.

Best Things to Do in Nagano

Matsumoto

Less than an hour's train ride from Nagano City, the castle city of Matsumoto sits in the middle of the prefecture and is a must-see for any visit to the region. Its stunning panoramic view of the surrounding Alps, 400-year old history and focus on education have helped cement Matsumoto’s status as a prefectural gem. The city holds a treasure trove of sights conveniently located within walking distance from Matsumoto Station.

・Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle, the oldest surviving five-tiered, six-story castle in Japan, was first constructed in 1594 and remains the stalwart highlight of the city. If you have time, lose yourself in the bygone atmosphere of the walking courses surrounding the castle. 

・Nawate Shopping Street

Moving on from Matsumoto Castle, we recommend making the five-minute walk down to the banks of the Metoba River and do some shopping around Nawate Shopping Street. This pedestrian precinct isn’t just a quaint convenient spot to pick up wares, but it’s also the home to the Matsumoto Frog Festival, an event dedicated to preserving the memory and lives of frogs that populate the clear Metoba River. Make sure to stop by and pay homage to the striking Frog Daimyojin statue in the middle of the street. 

・Nakamachi

Another excellent opportunity for shopping and sightseeing is Nagano’s Nakamachi district, where passersby can feel the Meiji-era (1868 - 1912) charm of its monochrome storehouses, stores, and shrines. To maximize your time, bike rentals are available at Nakamachi's Shopping District Promotion Association building in the Nakamachi Parking Lot. 

・Matsumoto City Museum of Art

While strolling or biking around Nakamachi, be sure to stop by the city’s art museum to see the permanent collection of renowned local contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama. Kusama’s signature red polka dot designs and other dreamlike installations can be found throughout the museum, along with exhibitions from other Japanese artists.

・Shirahone Onsen

For those looking for a bit more relaxation during their Matsumoto sojourn, we recommend making the trip to the outskirts of town via train and bus to the reputable Shirahone Onsen resort. The milky therapeutic waters of the appropriately-named Shirahone (white-bone) are said to provide relief to a number of ailments, including gastrointestinal disorders, nervous stress and is even believed to delay sickness for three years if you bathe three times!

・Asama Onsen

Another alkaline retreat for your weary bones, Asama Onsen is located in the northeast of Matsumoto and has a rich history that spans 1,300 years of peaceful existence among 16 generations of owners. Throughout time, feudal lords from Matsumoto Castle and nobles from Japan’s Imperial court frequented this hot spring once, and Asama Onsen, with its modern choices of large public bath, sauna, and foot hot springs, continues its tradition to this present day.

Karuizawa

Surrounded by lush forests, towering mountains, and pristine lakes that transform with the changing seasons, this isolated mountain paradise of Karuizawa could easily be the highlight of your visit to Nagano Prefecture!

The best way to explore the area is by bike, which you can rent from BigCloud Cycle Base, conveniently located next to Karuizawa Station. Once you have your wheels, head north to Old Karuizawa Ginza Street, the town’s former main street, where you can soak in the nostalgic atmosphere of historic wooden establishments, including its charming bakeries.

One particularly renowned eatery is Cafe Suzu no Ne, a nationally registered tangible cultural property believed to have been built during the Meiji era. It offers a variety of drinks, meal sets, and mouth-watering desserts. Another spot worth visiting is NONE Cafe Karuizawa, a modern café located near Karuizawa’s Yugawa River, serving a wide selection of fresh-roasted coffee and cake options.

Karuizawa’s natural beauty is ever-present and can even be enjoyed within the town itself, such as at Kumobaike Pond. Offering a serene 1km walk around its tranquil shores, Kumobaike is a year-round gem, but it's especially stunning in the fall when the crimson foliage reflects off the water. There are also plenty of natural sights outside of central Karuizawa such as the shimmering 3-meter Shiraito Falls is a must-see.

Kamikochi

Renowned for its unique scenery, Kamikochi rests comfortably in the heart of Japan’s Alps and serves as an ideal retreat for those seeking a natural getaway.

Cutting through Kamikochi like a winding nerve is the mighty Azusa River, which originates from a spring somewhere on Mt. Yari and flows until it joins the Shinano River, Japan’s longest river. To reach either side of the river—and to catch a breathtaking view of the nearby often-smoking Mt. Yakedake—you can cross the famous wooden Kappa Bridge.

The best way to experience the surrounding area’s power is to start from Kamikochi’s base camp. Hiking northeast along the Azusa River, you’ll soon arrive at the crystalline waters of Myojin Pond, the sacred site of Hotaka Shrine and the corresponding Omizugaeshi ceremony, where robed Shinto priests cross the pond by boat.

Following the Azusa River southwest, you’ll encounter the Dakesawa Marsh, teeming with flowers, greenery, and the occasional duck. Beyond that lies Taisho Pond, a tranquil pool created by Mt. Yakedake’s volcanic eruption over 100 years ago, which reflects the surrounding Hotaka mountain range season after season.

Kiso Valley - Nakasendo

During Japan’s Edo period (1603 - 1868), shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu established five highways connecting various cities across Japan to the nation’s capital in Edo, present-day Tokyo. Of these highways, two led from Kyoto to Edo: the well-traversed Tokaido with 53 post stations along the way, and the alternative—and longer—Nakasendo, with 69 post stations along its mountainous road. Eleven of Nakasendo stations were located in Nagano’s Kiso Valley and, thanks to local preservation efforts, many inns and establishments retain their centuries-old aura that we can appreciate today.

・Narai

Among these stations, a handful are the embodiment of nostalgia, as they have been meticulously preserved such that you would swear you’d been swept back in time to the Edo period. Narai is the mid-point between Tokyo and Kyoto, and it became one of the most popular and prosperous rest stops due to the amount of guesthouses. Narai’s 1-kilometer townscape of wooden lattice, inviting lanterns, and hanging eaves earned it the title of "Narai Senken" (Narai's Thousand Houses) and is sure to make a lasting impression on you.

・Tsumago

We also recommend the historic 8-kilometer road between Magome and Tsumago stations at the southern end of Kiso Valley, as the path will give you a wide range of the valley’s natural beauty. Passing the original Nakasendo stone markers, you’ll arrive at Tsumago station to find a sight similar to Narai: a town frozen in time. Wooden shop-fronts and inns illuminated by paper lanterns beckon you with their warm charm, with some inns converted into museums shedding light about the post-town’s history.

・Kiso Fukushima

As the site of one of the four Nakasendo checkpoints, Kiso-Fukushima's historical significance elevated it from a simple post-station town to a must-visit stop along this ancient road. Not only is it a key location in the valley, but we also recommend making it your home base while you explore the region. Be sure to visit the preserved checkpoint and magistrate’s residence, then take advantage of the town’s proximity to Japan’s second-largest volcano, Mt. Ontake, and the tranquil forest trails of Akasawa Natural Recreational Park.

・Hanamomo no Sato Peach Blossom Village

If you're fortunate enough to visit Kiso Valley during mid-to-late spring, don’t miss the chance to experience Hanamomo no Sato, or Peach Blossom Village. Here, you’ll be greeted by a stunning display of 5,000 peach trees in full bloom, their flowers painting the landscape in shades of red, white, and pink.

Nagano City

Nagano City is the bustling capital of the prefecture and a crucial stop for any visitor’s first time in Nagano. With excellent access to and from Tokyo via the “shinkansen” bullet train, the city’s perfect blend of nature, tradition, and modern convenience continues to attract both travelers and those hoping for a healthier change in lifestyle, making the city the ideal place to experience the best of what Nagano Prefecture has to offer!

・Zenkoji Temple

No trip to Nagano City is complete without visiting Zenkoji Temple. Start your journey at the entrance to Nakamise Street, a stone-paved path that leads you under the awe-inspiring Niomon Gate, past stalls, shops, and shrines all the way to the gate of Zenkoji Temple. First founded in 642, Zenkoji Temple is one of Nagano Prefecture's most iconic landmarks. Despite surviving numerous devastating fires, its Main Hall still stands as one of Japan’s largest wooden structures and a designated National Treasure. Every year, around 6 million pilgrims visit to pray and witness the first Buddhist statue ever brought to Japan.

・Matsushiro

A quick 12 kilometers south of downtown will bring you to Matsushiro; a former town with an entirely different atmosphere, all within Nagano City limits. There are castle ruins to visit that were at one point commissioned by the famous daimyo Takada Shengen during the Warring States Period (1467- 1573). The castle later fell into the hands of the Sanada clan, where it stayed for 250 years and made an indelible mark on the area. Today, Matsushiro plays host to the Sanada Festival, where you can see a reenactment procession, check out the sprawling former dwelling of the Sanada family, and explore the Sanada Treasure Museum.

・Togakushi Shrine

Just outside of Nagano City lies the mystical Mt. Togakushi, home to the legendary Togakushi Shrine. The myth goes that long ago Mt. Togakushi was a massive rock door that was once used by the Sun Goddess to hide behind in order to hide her embarrassment over her brother’s aggressive behavior. Later, the rock door rolled away and fell to earth, forming the now-sacred Mt. Togakushi. A scattering of shrines that enshrine many of the gods in the rock-door legend can be found around the grounds, protected by towering cedar trees over 700 years old.

Ueda

Ueda is another town where the Sanada Clan’s influence can still be felt. Your first stop should be Ueda Castle and its beautiful, natural surroundings. Built by Sanada Masayuki during the Warring States period, the castle may appear simple but it was able to hold off attacks by the Tokugawa army in two consecutive battles. Around the castle grounds is a bountiful cherry-blossom orchard mixed with deciduous trees that change with the seasons, as well as Sanada Shrine, where visitors pray for strength as formidable as the walls of Ueda’s indomitable fortress.

Just a short walk from Ueda Castle is Yanagimachi Street, once a bustling post-station during the Edo Period. A stroll down this street feels like stepping back into Japan’s history. You’ll encounter a 350-year old sake brewery, miso brewery, numerous artisan bread shops, cafes, and bookstores, all within converted traditional buildings featuring distinctive wooden lattices.

・Unnojuku

If you're craving more, head 30 minutes east of Ueda Station to the post-town of Unnojuku, where rows of traditional thatched-roof buildings create an unforgettable streetscape. IDuring the Edo era, many of these buildings housed families who cultivated silkworms, contributing to the region’s long-standing reputation as a center of silk production.

・Bessho Onsen

Looking to unwind? Make your way to Bessho Onsen, the oldest hot spring in Nagano Prefecture. At 1,400 years old and with several selections of baths to soak in, this onsen sits in the middle of an impressive mountain range with a spattering of unique temples and shops that makes it a perfect stop while you’re in Ueda.

Suwa

Ensconced inside of Nagano’s magnificent Yatsugatake Mountains is Suwa city, a refreshing oasis perched at the edge of the prefecture’s largest lake, Lake Suwa. The sheer elevation of the city is a prime motivating factor to visit, especially in summer when you can freely enjoy the area’s natural offerings like hiking, trekking and swimming, or simply appreciate Suwa’s rich history in its castles and shrines.

・Suwa Taisha Grand Shrine

While exploring Lake Suwa you’ll also come across Suwa Taisha or Suwa Grand Shrine, which actually comprises four shrines. The two main shrines are located at the northern end, while the other two sit to the south. Of the four, Aki Miya Shrine is the location of the sacred Onbashira event, or Great Pillars Festival, that occurs every six years and includes a particularly dangerous tradition called “kiotoshi”. While four of Aki Miya’s massive 18-meter wooden pillars are replaced, thrill-seeking participants mount and ride logs culled from the Suwa mountains down the precipitous slopes.

・Tateishi Park

For stunning views of the lake, the cityscape and an amazing sunset behind the lofty Alps, head to Tateishi Park towards the east of Suwa and about 30 minutes from Kamisuwa Station. The view alone makes the hike worthwhile, especially for fans of the hit anime film “Your Name,” as the view from the park is said to closely resemble a scene from the movie.

・Takashima Castle

Near Lake Suwa, you’ll also find Takashima Castle, one of Japan’s three great lake castles, that has been bestowed with the apt nickname of “the floating castle”. In 1592 the Suwa domain’s Lord Hineno built Takashima on one of the lake’s small islands that connected to the mainland via a thin stretch of land. Today, you can view the restored castle and the moat that was once used for protection.

・Takato Castle Site Park

About 40 kilometers south of Suwa lies the picturesque Takato Castle Site Park. It was once the site of the eponymous castle with former lords like Takeda Shingen and the grandchild of Tokugawa Ieyasu, but has since been transformed into a sought-out destination for cherry-blossom hunters around spring. Over 1,500 cherry trees, set against a majestic mountain backdrop, draw more than 200,000 visitors annually to witness this breathtaking spectacle.

Nozawa

To the north of Nagano Prefecture lies the charming onsen town of Nozawa, nestled at the base of Mt. Kenashi. Known for its role in the 1998 Winter Olympics, Nozawa is even more famous for its hot springs, attracting visitors since the Edo period. Today, you can indulge in this centuries-old experience at 13 free public baths!

Nozawa’s hot springs offer a wide range of temperatures, from mild and perfect for bathing to scalding hot. The hottest is Ogama, where locals use the steaming water to boil eggs and vegetables. Another must-visit is Oyu Hot Spring, a highly photogenic bathhouse with a traditional wooden design that echoes the Edo era. However, due to Oyu’s intense heat, you might prefer the milder Taki no Yu or the cooler Kuma no Te Ara Yu, which has the gentlest waters in town.

・Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort

While soaking in a hot Nozawa bath is a treat, it’s even more rewarding after a day on the slopes. Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort boasts 50 kilometers of trails, with 40% of the runs suited for beginners—making it great for families. Advanced snowboarders will find plenty to challenge them, including jumps, rails, boxes, and an 80-meter pipe.

Obuse

A quick 30-minute train ride northeast of Nagano City brings you to Obuse, the smallest town in Nagano Prefecture. But don’t let its size fool you— its accessibility and unique cultural attractions make it the perfect destination for a day trip, especially for art lovers and chestnut enthusiasts.

Obuse’s central historic district presents a handful of local shops, breweries, and gardens that residents generously open up for passersby. Be sure to stroll down Chestnut Alley, where you can experience a taste of the town’s past and its prized chestnut crop. Thanks to the town’s acidic soil, Obuse has earned its nickname, the “chestnut town.” Throughout the year, local restaurants and cafes serve a variety of chestnut-based meals and sweets.

・Obuse Hokusai Museum

Obuse is most renowned as the once residence of master woodblock painter, Katsushika Hokusai. It’s said that Hokusai was so enamored with the town’s beauty that he moved there in his golden years to dedicate himself to his craft. During his time in Obuse, he was supported by local merchant, Takai Kozan, and was able to produce his last major work: a spectacular phoenix that can be seen on the ceiling at the local Ganshoin Temple. However, the best place to observe and learn about the great artist’s works and his influence on the art world is Obuse’s Hokusai Museum, with well-known and exclusive pieces on display.

・Yamada Onsen

Enhance your trip to Obuse by taking advantage of the nearby Yamada Onsen. Only 20 minutes away from Obuse Station, this 200-year old hidden network of relaxing baths is located in the middle of the Joshinetsu Highlands, and has a wide variety of hot springs to choose from. Beautiful outdoor pools await you, like the soothing stone Takinoyu Bath, located at the top of a river gorge amongst nature. Other onsen are available in the secluded village center making Yamada one of Japan’s best-kept secrets.

Yamanouchi and Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

Yamanouchi’s highlands are among Nagano’s most iconic destinations, renowned for skiing, and snow monkeys, making it a popular choice for both domestic and international visitors in winter. Its 1,300-year-old onsen resorts are the perfect retreat, offering not only historic baths but also a serene atmosphere to unwind. While seeing Yamanouchi’s famous red-faced macaques up close at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is a must, we recommend staying overnight at one of Yudanaka or Shibu Onsen’s charming inns, making the trip to the monkeys more convenient. 

・Yudanaka Onsen

Yudanaka Onsen, located close to Yudanaka Station, is said to have first been discovered 1,350 years ago by a monk and as such, seems to hold miraculous powers of healing. Thanks to its proximity to the station, Yudanaka is abuzz with shops and restaurants, making it a bit more active than its more traditional sister onsen of Shibu.

・Shibu Onsen

To walk around Shibu is to be thrust back into a time of wooden “ryokan” traditional Japanese inns and cobblestone lanes. Its 1,300 year existence has been kept intact so well that it’s perfectly normal to hop from onsen to onsen in your “yukata” robe as in days of old.

・Shiga Kogen

Perched high above Yamanouchi is Japan’s largest ski resort and UNESCO Eco Park of Shiga Kogen. Its 2,307 meter high elevation made it a prime location for events during the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, and today skiers and boarders make the hike to zip down 19 powdery slopes, marvel at the frost-covered trees resembling "snow monsters," or head further north to Kita Shiga Kogen to ride the ropeway up Ryuoo Mountain and above the clouds.

Hakuba

Nestled at the base of the 3,000-meter-high Japanese Alps, Hakuba Village is a famed valley known for its skiing, made even more popular by the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. Each winter, the area draws visitors to its luxury resorts and alpine attractions, while nature lovers flock here in the warmer months to enjoy the region’s stunning landscapes.

Skiing dominates the scene in Hakuba, with ten ski resorts offering a range of beginner to advanced courses. To make the most of your trip, consider a lift pass that grants access to all ten resorts. Researching which resort best fits your skill level and budget can also enhance your experience.

・Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort

Iwatake Mountain Resort stands out as the only independent peak in Hakuba, offering breathtaking 360° views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a year-round destination, with skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing in the winter, and hiking trails to explore in the spring, summer, and fall.

・Happo Pond

For those looking to explore Hakuba’s natural beauty, a hike to Happo Pond is a must. Located 2,000 meters above the valley, the pond is reached by riding the Happo Alpen Line Gondola to Happo Ike Sanso Lodge, followed by a 1.5 km hike to the serene, picturesque lake.

・Obinata no Yu

For a more relaxing experience, visit Obinata no Yu, an open-air onsen with natural hydrogen-rich waters, said to have anti-aging properties. Bathing in near-boiling water while surrounded by a snowy landscape is a unique winter experience. Reservations are recommended from December to February to secure a private bath.

What to Eat in Nagano

Oyaki

Considered to be the “soul food” of Nagano, Oyaki are a type of wheat or millet dumpling stuffed with a variety of fresh seasonal ingredients that can be steamed, baked or fried into a delicious treat. The history of these tasty buns can be traced back to the early days of Nagano in areas where rice cultivation was a challenge and a variety of other grains were grown instead. Instead of rice balls, Nagano farmers would munch on steamed oyaki, making them an integral part of the prefecture’s history. Today there are a number of ways to stuff, cook and enjoy oyaki such as mashed “kabocha” squash, seasoned “nozawana” (a Japanese leaf vegetable), and eggplants with miso, so don’t be shy in sampling as many as you can!

Gohei Mochi

Gohei Mochi are skewered rice cakes, grilled and coated with either a sweet soy sauce or a walnut miso glaze. This crispy, savory snack originated in the forests of Nagano as an alternative to cold rice. Legend has it that a farmer named Gohei, tired of bland, cold meals while logging, skewered a handful of rice, spread miso over it, and roasted it over a fire. And thus, Gohei Mochi was born.

Shinshu Miso Ramen

Nowhere is miso more prevalent and produced in Japan than in Nagano Prefecture. Thus, ordering a bowl of this ubiquitous dish is an absolute must during your visit and is sure to raise the bar for miso ramen thereafter.

Soba

Growing rice in certain parts of Nagano Prefecture has always been challenging, so farmers turned to buckwheat, giving rise to the region's famous soba noodles. Thanks to Nagano’s high elevation in the Japanese Alps, buckwheat thrives in the area's cool, misty mornings and crystal-clear water. Around the prefecture, you’ll find many ways of preparing soba, but the most striking is the "bocchimori" style—tightly woven bunches of noodles served on a bamboo plate.

Basashi

For adventurous eaters, Nagano offers basashi, or horse sashimi. The history of horse meat culture in Nagano goes back to the Meiji era, when the ban on eating meat was lifted and eventually took root as a cheap source of protein after the war. Today, many restaurants and izakaya around Nagano offer lean basashi cuts prepared with the same care and precision as traditional fish sashimi.

Where to Stay in Nagano - Recommended Hotels and Ryokan

Nagano: Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano-Zenkojiguchi

In Japan, hotel chains abound, but Sotetsu Fresa Inn consistently delivers on key guest expectations: prime location, affordability, comfort, and exceptional service. The Nagano-Zenkojiguchi branch exemplifies this commitment. Located only a two-minute stroll from Nagano Station and 25-minute walk to Zenkoji Nakamise Street, this tasteful and inexpensive hotel provides friendly staff, Japanese and Western breakfasts, and a variety of fully equipped rooms that are perfect for single travelers or couples.

Matsumoto: Nunoya Ryokan

A trip to the historic castle town of Matsumoto is deserving of an equally nostalgic experience, and what better accommodation than a traditional wooden ryokan. Nunoya is a lovely 100 year-old building situated on Matsumoto’s lively Nakamachi Street about a 10-minute walk from Matsumoto Station and a brief nine-minute walk to Matsumoto Castle. It may be over a century old, but Nunoya’s amenities like air-conditioned rooms, WIFI, private bathrooms, and lovingly prepared Japanese breakfast are anything but antiquated. They even offer specialty packed lunches for your day trip!

Naraijuku/Nakasendo: BYAKU Narai

Remember how visiting Narai and its “1,000 Houses” feels like stepping back into the Edo period? This enchanting atmosphere is further enriched by the town’s many inns, like the 200-year old 5-star hotel Byaku. While it has the warm aesthetic of a traditional ryokan, Byaku is the combination of four historical buildings that include 16 tatami-padded rooms with gorgeous mountain views, a regional restaurant, a brewery, exclusive bathing facility, and arts and craft gallery. A stay at Byaku along the Nakasendo Road is an unforgettable experience that should be high on your list!

Shibu Onsen: Senjukaku

Should you decide to take our advice about staying at Shibu’s onsen resort, then you’ll want to stay at the ryokan Senjukaku, easily the closest inn to the Snow Monkey Park. Inside, Senjukaku is at once a traditional Japanese inn with the touches of a modern hotel. Tatami floors, low tables, calligraphy, onsen, and a tranquil garden seamlessly blend with flat-screen TVs, a spacious indoor pool, and an elegant high-ceilinged dining room. Three types of rooms are available, including a deluxe suite with private granite bath, tatami rooms with Western beds, and standard Japanese rooms. With such luxury and convenience, you’ll waste no time seeing the snow monkeys in style.

Explore the Best of Nagano

No matter the season, Nagano offers a wealth of experiences waiting to be explored. This enchanting prefecture is a haven for snow enthusiasts, history buffs, food lovers, and nature admirers alike. Whether you’re a backpacker seeking adventure or someone who simply enjoys a laid-back lifestyle surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, Nagano has something for everyone. With our list in hand, you’re sure to uncover the many treasures of Nagano in no time!