Top Destinations to Explore in Nagano Prefecture

Get ready to explore Nagano, Japan's spectacular winter destination! This prefecture, nestled in the heart of the Chubu region, boasts a breathtaking landscape filled with mountains, forests, and highlands. With its stunning natural beauty, Nagano was the perfect host for the 1998 Winter Olympics, boosting its popularity among snow enthusiasts. Today, it offers a plethora of experiences for adventure seekers and nature lovers.

Unmissable Places in Nagano Prefecture, Chubu Region

If you're traveling within Japan, you can take advantage of the Go To Travel Campaign to travel cheap. Here are some must-visit spots in Nagano Prefecture:

Nagano City - Known as the host of the Winter Olympics in 1998, Nagano City is the prefectural capital and offers a range of intriguing sites close by. The centuries-old Zenkoji Temple, one of the most important and popular temples in Japan, is a must-see. Togakushi Shrine, a network of three shrines linked by enchanting hiking trails, is another gem. Don't miss trying Nagano's signature dish, soba noodles, during your visit.
Snow Monkey Park - Ever seen a monkey taking a bath in the snow? In Nagano, you can witness the famous snow monkeys enjoying a leisurely soak in an onsen during wintertime! These Japanese Macaques use natural hot springs to survive the harsh winter, making for a unique and captivating sight.
Zenkoji Temple - This famous Buddhist temple in Nagano City dates back to the 7th century and attracts around 6 million visitors annually. The temple is home to Japan's oldest Buddhist statue, which is hidden away every six years, with a replica displayed for a few weeks instead. The main hall, reconstructed in 1707, is one of the oldest wooden cultural structures in Eastern Japan!
Matsumoto Castle - One of the most historic sites in Nagano, Matsumoto Castle is a National Treasure and one of the 12 original castles in Japan. Known as Karasujo (Crow Castle) due to its black and white exterior, it offers an incredible backdrop against the Northern Japan Alps.
Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen area - Just 10 minutes from the Snow Monkey Park by car, Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen area is the perfect place to unwind after your monkey encounter. Take a relaxing dip in one of the nine onsen in Shibu Onsen or stay overnight in a traditional ryokan.
Ski Resorts in Nagano - With 9 of the 12 tallest mountains in Japan, Nagano offers a variety of winter sport options for everyone, from beginners to experts. From Hakuba to Shiga Kogen and Nozawa Onsen, there's a resort for everyone.
Lake Suwa - The largest lake in Nagano, Lake Suwa is a beautiful destination for relaxation and exploration. Visit Suwa Taisha, the main shrine of more than 10,000 Suwa shrines in Japan, or enjoy a panoramic view of the lake and the city of Matsumoto from Tateishi Park.
Kiso Valley - A historic preservation area, Kiso Valley offers a glimpse into Japan's past. Travel along the Nakasendo road, a crucial link between Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto during the Edo Period, and stop by the well-preserved post towns of Magomejuku and Tsumagojuku.
Daio Wasabi Farm Azumino - Wasabi enthusiasts will love this farm, which produces some of the tastiest wasabi in Japan. Try their wasabi-flavored products, including soft serve ice cream, or visit during the peak growing season (October to December).
Hotels Around Snow Monkey Park - If you want to extend your stay, consider booking a hotel near Snow Monkey Park. Hotels like Hotel Omodaka, Aburaya Tousen, and Jinpyokaku offer not only comfortable accommodations but also free pick-up and transportation to the park and several onsen.

Immerse yourself in the culture, history, and natural beauty of Japan outside the bustling cities. Nagano's enchanting winter landscapes, unique wildlife encounters, and rich heritage make it the perfect holiday destination. Happy adventuring!

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Discover even more exciting winter activities in Nagano:

Best Winter Activities in Nagano

Skiing and Snowboarding in renowned resorts like Hakuba Happo One and Sugadaira Kogen Snow Resort.
Explore Hot Spring Towns such as Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen for a relaxing soak after a day on the slopes.
Enjoy Local Cuisine and Tours featuring traditional Japanese dishes and sake tastings, as well as guided tours that combine snow activities with cultural experiences.
Relive Olympic Heritage by visiting historical venues like the M-Wave Arena and Olympic Museum.
Experience Cultural Festivals like the Yudanaka-Shibu Onsen Snow Monkey Winter Festival and the Nagano Winter Festival, offering a blend of winter sports, music, and local culture.
Nagano's stunning winter landscape, marked by mountains, forests, and highlands, makes it an ideal destination not just for snow enthusiasts, but also for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
The prefectural capital, Nagano City, is a hub of historical and cultural sites, ranging from the centuries-old Zenkoji Temple to the Togakushi Shrine, connected by enchanting hiking trails.
Don't forget to sample Nagano's signature dish, soba noodles, during your visit to this city.
Another unmissable experience is the Snow Monkey Park, where you can watch the famous snow monkeys enjoying a soak in natural hot springs during wintertime.
The Zenkoji Temple, a major Buddhist temple dating back to the 7th century, attracts millions of visitors annually and houses Japan's oldest Buddhist statue.
Matsumoto Castle, a National Treasure and one of the 12 original castles in Japan, is another must-visit spot, known for its black and white exterior and setting against the Northern Japan Alps.
For those hunting for relaxation, Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen area, just 10 minutes from the Snow Monkey Park, offers nine onsen to unwind and traditional ryokans for overnight stays.
Witness amazing winter sports options for every skill level at the numerous ski resorts in Nagano, like Hakuba, Shiga Kogen, and Nozawa Onsen.
Don't forget to explore other attractions such as the largest lake in Nagano, Lake Suwa, the historic preservation area Kiso Valley, and the Daio Wasabi Farm Azumino for a taste of wasabi products. Plus, extend your stay with hotels like Hotel Omodaka, Aburaya Tousen, and Jinpyokaku near Snow Monkey Park, which also offer onsen and transportation services.

Top Destinations to Explore in Nagano Prefecture