Nagano Prefecture Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)

Amagawa Shrine in Nagano

Name 📝: Amagawa Shrine 天川神社 Address📍: 1278-1 Hirao, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401, Japan Nearest train station 🚉: Yudanaka Famous for ✨: its history and importance in the area, its architecture and it’s tranquility Tourist spots nearby 👀: ♨️ the numerous outdoor and indoor hot spring places in the area 🖼️ Shiga Kogen Roman Museum that shows the artworks of Roman influenced Japan #nagano #Yudanaka #japan

Mishakaike Pond

This pond has also an amazing view of momiji in orange color. You can see also in here the nice reflection of nature in the water 🤩🤩🤩. There’s near toilet too if ever your by car and want to stop over. We had tour bus and visited this famous pond. This is a pond for agriculture, but become famous for the work paintedby Higashiyama Kaii, a famous Japanese painter. Beautiful.

#Autumn Throwback

*This is just some snaps from the bus when I went to Nagano for the autumn viewing in November.Nagano is one of the beautiful place you can visit if you live here in Japan or if you are living outside the country and planning to come here. You can add this into your list and check some other places here in Nagano if you want😊.Nagano is just 3-4 hours trip from Tokyo if you gonna ride a bus but you can also take a train if you want or a taxi etc. #autumn2022 #throwbackpics #naganoadventure #japan #japanAutumn

Enjoy the best white Christmas wonderland

#skiadventure Address - Nagano, Japan Ambiance/Facilities - Christmas wonderland, ski facilities, hot spring, restaurants Highlights - White flurry snow Avg. Price per Person - $200 to >$500 Rating - 5.0 out of 5.0 stars If you want to enjoy the purest Christmas and see white flurry snow flew down from the sky covering roof, cars and streets. You also dream of building snowman and making snow angel. You want to ski down the most exciting slopes. Then you have to visit Nagano in Japan where there are great food great snow and great ski resort. #japan #winter #nagano

Life’s checklist - Nagano’s Snow Monkey Park

One of my life’s checklist done!! ❤️ “Jigokudani Yaen-koen (altitude 850 meters) is located in the Valley of Yokoyu River sourced from Shiga-Kogen of the Joshinetsu-Kogen National Park in northern part of Nagano prefecture” Now that’s ✅, oh my gosh was this place hard to get to. 4hours each way from Tokyo is no joke seriously - train Shinkansen train train bus - it was tedious! So don’t be like me and take a day tour la 🇯🇵 Once you are there, you also need to be cardio-fit in order to actually reach the park. The hilly climb from the bus stop and then 1.6km trek from the bus stop to the entrance of the park is just the beginning - you really need to want to go there 🫢 But once there, those monkeys are super cute la. 🙈 the big ones, the furry ones, the little ones - to be amongst them while they ignore you and carry on with their lives is surreal. Once in a lifetime worth! 🍀 Of course they are called snow monkeys coz visitors love to visit during winter when the snow falls on the furry coats but since I’m here during autumn why not make it an autumn monkey trip right? 🤣

Getting There - Nagano Attractions - Snow Monkeys 🙉

The Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani

The Japanese Macaques, more popularly known as the Snow Monkeys, inhabits this park located in the forests of the Jigokudani valley in Yamanouchi. The monkeys love to gather around this man-made onsen pool and it is really interesting to watch them interact and socialize with each other while soaking in the warm pools. The best time to visit this place is during winter months, when the whole place will be covered in snow. The walk to the onsen pool is quite a long but very scenic one. It was very enjoyable walking through the forest trees all covered in snow and the scenic river landscape. #momentssg #nyedestinations #japan

Monkey Paradise in Winter, Tokyo

If I could only recommend one place to visit during Winter in Tokyo area, the Jigokudani Money Park will be my choice without a doubt! Located to the nearest city, Tokyo, the monkey park is easily accessible via public transport, and the exact bus/train information can be found easily online. I will highly recommend to plan your trip early in advance so as to not miss any schedule! Once reaching the entrance, there will be a 20mins walk before reaching the park where the snow monkeys live. This 20mins walk is one of the most enjoyable, easy hike because of how beautiful the whole place is when covered with snow. And once you reach the monkey park, that’s where the real fun begins! You will be able to look at the natural habitat and behavior of these snow monkeys, and because nothing is caged, these cute ones may even come running next to you! Just be careful not to do anything that may irritate them. The park although is opened all year round, but I will HIGHLY recommend to visit during the winter season as these place looks the absolute best in snow. One extra tip for those photographers. Make sure to bring a tele zoom lens so you can take photos of the monkey close up! It makes me feel like a Natgeo photographer for a moment! 😂 #unforgettableexperiences #momentssg #japan #tokyojapan #hiking #nationalpark #unforgettableexperiences

The most splendid mountain scenery in 🇯🇵

📍Kamikochi (上高地) Kamikochi in Nagano Prefecture is one of the most beautiful mountainous places in Japan. It offers breathtaking views through all seasons but it’s said to be the most beautiful in autumn and summer. I went there in summer and was very surprised by its beauty. The majestic mountain ranges seem to embrace the surrounding landscape, the clear water flowing on the Azusa River, the green forest, all create a wonderful picture of nature. When traveling to Kamikochi I recommend you to: 1. Experience the spectacular views of the Hotaka Range peaks from Kappabashi Bridge. And if you come there in summer, try sitting by the Azusa river and touch the water, it’s surprisingly freezing. 2. Take a hike out to Myojin Pond 3. Go for a trekking adventure in the alpine wonderland of the Northern Japan Alps #japan #mytripvlog #awesomepic #summervacation #celebratewithtrip #2023travelwish #kamikochi

This bridge is the "city center" of peaceful and tranquilat Kamikochi. 5mins walk from the bus terminal, several hotels along with restaurants, shops and snack counters are located at each side of the bridge. Further down (same side of the bus terminal) you can find free public toilet if you dont feel like donating 100yen to use the toilet at the bus terminal. Another 5 mins further is the nice konashidaira campsite. Great place with a nice view! We really had a nice time, even though we walked many km. I will totally come again in the future, if i have the chance.

Kappabashi is the center of Kamikochi, and around the Kappabashi bridge you can find amenities like a visitors center, small restaurants and hotels, and some shops. This hike covers mostly flat terrain and requires little to no hiking experience. If you want to do hike you can go to the Myojin Pond and back to Kappabashi via a different trail. This will take an additional 3.5 hours, and it is very much worth the trek. Myojin Pond is another famous highlight in Kamikochi with a tranquil atmosphere, a small shrine, and pretty foliage in autumn.

Hiking is one of the most popular weekend pastimes for people who live in Japan. This is no wonder, as 70% of the country consists of mountainous areas, which means that Japan is dotted with amazing hiking opportunities. Note: Kamikochi is open from mid/late April until November 15 and shuts down during winter. In 2021, Kamikochi is scheduled to be open from April 17 to November 15. By public transportation: one of the easiest ways to get to Kamikochi from Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto is by taking a direct bus. A one way trip from Tokyo takes 5-7 hours and costs ¥6,000 ~ ¥10,000. You cna board the bus to Kamikochi at several places in Tokyo, including Shinjuku, Shibuya and Tokyo Staion. Online reservations are recommended, especially in the summer holidays and in the koyo season.

Matsumoto-jō Castle

#thingstodo Put this on your list if you want to see castles in Japan. You can get a free tour in English . See kiosk near entry . Walk around moat is free but entry fee for castle . Best photos are in afternoon. The red bridge on the north west corner is a good photo spot. Walk directly south on the Main Street to get great local noodles. You can walk it from the train station and easy flat route. In the late Fall you can see the snow capped mountains in the distance.

Autumn Whispers: Enchanting Escapes🍁

1⃣️Matsumoto Castle, Nagano, Japan🇯🇵-P1 🏯🍁 Striking black and white architecture illuminated by autumn leaves. 🌊🌄 Reflective waters add beauty to this historical site. 📸🌳 A must-visit for history buffs and nature enthusiasts. 🍂🏠 Explore Autumnal Charm in a Historic Lane 🍁🏠 2⃣️New Swan Stone Castle, Germany🇩🇪-P2 🌳🏰 Step into a storybook at the enchanting New Swan Stone Castle. 🍂🖼️ A kaleidoscope of fall colors frames this fairy tale backdrop. 🚶♂️💑 Perfect for romantic strolls and peaceful reflection. 🍂⛪ Embrace the Autumn Hues at a Secluded Chapel 🍁⛪ 3⃣️Washington Island Stavkirke, Washington, USA🇺🇸-P3 🌲🏞️ A hidden gem surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage. 🌅🍁 Rustic charm and fiery autumn colors create a serene escape. 🤫👫 Ideal for quiet contemplation or cozy afternoons. 🍁🏯 Bask in the Radiance of Autumn at a Traditional Pagoda 🍂🏯 4⃣️St John's Gate, London, UK🇬🇧-P4 🌉🍁 Ancient architecture meets golden autumn leaves. 🚶♀️🌆 Picturesque setting for leisurely walks or romantic moments. 🍃🎩 Feel the history and charm of old London. 🍁🌉 Experience Rustic Charm with Autumnal Hues and Ancient Bridges 🍂🌉 5⃣️Shinkyo Bridge, Nikko, Japan🇯🇵-P5 🌉🍂 Ancient bridge set against vibrant autumn leaves. 📷🍁 A picturesque spot for photography and peaceful moments. 🌳🌿 Perfect blend of nature's splendor and historical craftsmanship. 🍁🌊 Marvel at the Spectacular Autumn Cascade at Huayan Waterfall 🍂🌊 6⃣️Huayan Waterfall, Japan日本-P6 🏞️🍁 Breathtaking waterfall amidst a canvas of autumn colors. 🌈💦 The sound of cascading water enhances the serene ambiance. 🌲🍃 A rejuvenating spot for nature lovers and tranquility seekers. 🍁 Each destination offers a unique experience, weaving the magic of autumn into historic and natural settings. Perfect for romantic getaways or picturesque adventures! 🌟🍂

Matsumoto-jō Castle

#localescapes Getting There - 4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto, Nagano City, Japan. Attractions - Japan’s premier historic Castle, A beautiful Japanese ancient architecture building with five - storey building combining with vermilion bridges and stonework which built in late 16th century. Historic cultural sites. Stunning views of the rice fields from the rooftop. Entrance fee: 490 to 700 Yen opening hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Matsumoto

The castle in Matsumoto is rather small when compared to Nagoya, but you can access to the top. Everyone will be given a plastic bag for putting your shoe in and walk with bare feet. Some of the stairs are really steep, high (approximately 40cm per step) and narrow (but still keep 2 ways at the same time). Definitely need to watch out while climbing up and down. Overall, worthwhile to pay a visit!

Ski Resort an hour from Tokyo

#skiadventure About an hour from Tokyo using the Hokuriku Shinkansen, Karuizawa is one of Japan’s oldest and most famous mountain resort towns among the people in Japan. The ski resort use snow machines to guarantee snow no matter the weather. The use of the snow machines allows the resort to open from early November to April If you going to Tokyo can consider going to Karuizawa for a break

summer vacation

Karuizawa

#thingstodo This ski slope is another convenient location , 10 min walk from the Shinkansen station. The slopes are short and mainly for beginners though. It’s not as well organized as Gala Yuzawa. Definitely book your ticket and rentals online in advance because the lines are really long. Also, what I didn’t know is you get both your rental and lift tickets by scanning a QR code. Then you take your printed receipt to the rental shop. Be warned there are very few lockers and otherwise there is a luggage check where you can store your bags while you ski for 1000 yen. This is in the Snow House. Also there are many ski schools here so expect tons of tiny kids and instructors. Lift lines will be long, no getting around that. All in all it’s fine for a light half day of skiing. Nothing special but still convenient.

The hotel ceiling in my mind

📍Hoshino Resorts KAI Karuizawa📍 📮Address: 2148 Nagakura, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture 389-0111, Japan 👉About the hotel🏨 I particularly like a saying by Tsuji Shuichi, he said all the answers in life can be obtained from nature And when you enter Hoshino Resorts KAI Karuizawa, no matter where you are, you are close to nature The breath of the forest is just around the corner, and coexistence with nature is the theme here Here you just want to enter a state of rest, let your body, let your soul get a good rest 〰️ The rooms here are built along the terrain to maintain the original beautiful scenery The experience of different room types will be completely different 〰️ Each room is an open design facing the scenery, letting the scenery live in the room The trees, terraces, and small streams here have retained their natural appearance Even the design of the lighting here will become part of the scenery In order to perfectly blend with nature, even the geothermal energy uses the hot spring heat from the mountain A real travel experience of communicating with nature 👉About the room type 1️⃣Water Wave Room You can feel the echo of the slowly flowing water sound indoors 2️⃣Mountain Road Room From the balcony of the room, you can see the different scenery of the entire valley village in the four seasons, and the sound of birdsong and leaf friction can relax you 3️⃣Courtyard Room The detached room is more suitable for a family to stay in, and the privacy and independence are more obvious 👉About dining All restaurants are basically cooked with seasonal ingredients 1️⃣Main Restaurant ('Kasuke' offers Japanese cuisine with the theme of 'Mountain Kaiseki') Breakfast time: 7:00 - 10:30 Dinner time: 17:30-20:30 Dinner room delivery time: 17:40 - 21:00 Other restaurants 2️⃣No One's Recipe (French cuisine) 3️⃣Bleston Court Yukawatan (French cuisine) 4️⃣Villager's Cafeteria (Japanese casual restaurant) 5️⃣Elm Street Town (a small shopping street with various cuisines)