Why Go to Nagano
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Nagano is Japan's mountain heartland, a place of spiritual history and stunning natural beauty in the Japanese Alps. It's best known around the world for hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics, and it remains a gateway to world-class ski resorts and relaxing hot springs.
The soul of the city is Zenko-ji, one of Japan's most important Buddhist temples, which has welcomed pilgrims for some 1,400 years. Beyond town, the landscape turns to misty cedar forests and mountain shrines. In the Togakushi area, walk the cedar-lined path to ancient Shinto shrines and learn about the region's ninja history. Visit Jigokudani Monkey Park to see the famous snow monkeys soaking in natural hot springs, especially magical in winter. Ski the powder at Hakuba or Nozawa Onsen, and stay at a traditional ryokan to enjoy local sake, mountain cuisine and an onsen bath.
Nagano is about 90 minutes from Tokyo by bullet train and offers a slower, peaceful contrast to the big cities. I'll plan your rail connections, ryokan stay and snow monkey visit, and fit Nagano into your Japan itinerary.
BEST FOR
Skiers, nature lovers, temple visitors, hikers and onsen lovers
BEST MONTHS
January to March or May to June
EXPLORE
- Nagano City: Zenko-ji and the station area.
- Yudanaka & Shibu Onsen: Hot springs and snow monkeys.
- Hakuba: Ski resorts.
- Matsumoto: The castle town.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Nagano
Asia › East Asia › Japan › Nagano Prefecture
Snow monkeys in hot springs, an ancient temple and Japan's Alps.
Historical & Heritage
Skiing
Temples
Winter
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Visit the snow monkeys in winter, when snow covers the landscape and the monkeys soak in the hot springs.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Explore the dark tunnel under the main hall.
Zenko-ji Temple
One of Japan's most important Buddhist temples.
Visit in winter.
Jigokudani Monkey Park
See snow monkeys bathing in hot springs.
Visit in fall for colors.
Togakushi Shrine
A series of shrines with a cedar-lined path.
Visit in spring for cherry blossoms.
Matsumoto Castle
One of Japan's most beautiful original castles.
Great for families.
Togakure Ninja Museum
A museum about ninjas.
A modern hotel next to the station.
Hotel Metropolitan Nagano
Nagano Station
Hotel Tags
A stylish hotel close to the slopes.
Hotel Indigo Hakuba Tokyu
Hakuba
Hotel Tags
A historic ryokan in a traditional hot spring town.
Kanaya
Shibu Onsen
Hotel Tags
A rustic ryokan near the snow monkeys.
Korakukan
Jigokudani
Hotel Tags
A temple lodging with traditional rooms and vegetarian meals.
Kyoju-in
Zenko-ji
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Nagano
High 54°F · Low 37°F · Rain 2.3 in
Late autumn colors and the first snowfall in the mountains.
The best times to visit Nagano are January through March for skiing and snow monkeys and May through June for hiking. Fall brings beautiful colors.
Best Times to Visit Nagano
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Nagano's cuisine is known for soba, apples and mountain dishes.
- Soba: Nagano's soba noodles are famous across Japan.
- Oyaki: Steamed dumplings filled with vegetables.
- Must-try: Soba, oyaki, chestnut sweets and local sake.
06
Walking
Nagano city is easy to explore on foot.
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Rental Cars
A rental car is useful for exploring the mountains.
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Buses
Buses connect Nagano with ski resorts and Togakushi.
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Local Trains
Local trains connect Nagano with Yudanaka and Matsumoto.
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Shinkansen
The Hokuriku Shinkansen connects Tokyo with Nagano in about 80 minutes.
01
Flying In
Tokyo's airports are the most common gateways.
Most travelers take the Shinkansen from Tokyo. Once you're here, trains and buses connect to temples, monkeys and ski resorts.
Getting Around Nagano
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
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