Nagano Travel Guide: Snow Monkey, Ski & Hike
Nagano, a former Olympic site, is renowned as an ideal winter getaway, where you can witness snow monkeys soaking in hot springs, ski on world-class trails, and unwind in a wooden house while listening to the sound of falling snow. However, Nagano is a year-round destination that always has something to surprise you on your Japan tour. Explore this Nagano travel guide to discover everything you need to know about this historic and natural adventure paradise.
Why Nagano Is Worth Visiting
A trip to Nagano is an escape into a wonderland of forested mountain landscapes that hides not only its breathtaking natural scenery but also the ancient history of samurai and ninjas.
From tranquil villages to admiring the spring cherry blossoms to mountain trails lined with wooden houses and autumn leaves, Nagano is an ideal base for a slow-paced journey into the traditional Japanese countryside, where you can fully embrace the Japan Alps and escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Hike to Kamikochi for a summer escape, climb forested mountains where monkeys bathe, or relax in a steaming onsen after enjoying the winter Tokyo nearby ski without the flight to Hokkaido - Nagano is also the perfect gateway for all kinds of outdoor adventures year-round.
Another reason to visit Nagano is its perfect balance of historic sites and natural beauty. Whether you're exploring the ancient post-towns along the Nakasendo trail through the valley or the moss-covered Togakushi Temple nestled in towering forests, you'll also find a ninja school that offers insight into this mysterious profession.
Just continue reading this Nagano travel guide to find your reason for your Nagano Sightseeing.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Nagano
The milder weather in March to May and September to November is usually considered the best time for the Nagano visit, ideal for both city sightseeing and outdoor activities. Also, as a year-round destination offering a variety of activities, the best time to visit Nagano depends on your preferences.
Best Time for Hike
Autumn (September to November) is ideal for hiking, with plenty of sunny days and pleasant temperatures, as well as the stunning fall foliage season. It is a time perfect for conquering the Nakasendo and Kamikochi hikes while enjoying the vibrant autumn colors. Spring (March to May) is another great time for the Nakasendo Trail, with cherry blossoms adding to the landscape. Meanwhile, summer (June to August) is good for starting your Kamikochi hike, with no snow to hinder your summer escape.
Fall Foliage Season
Best Time for Skiing, Onsen & Snow Monkey
Thanks to the high altitude, there is no shortage of snowfall during the chilly winter (December to February), making it the best time for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding in Nagano. With dry weather and gentle sunshine, you can jump into some well-known ski resorts like Hakuba Valley filled with powder snow. Also, winter is the best time to stop off at Snow Monkey Park to capture the furry, red-faced monkeys soaking in the hot springs.
What to See & Do in Nagano
From the best attractions to the top things to do, follow this Nagano travel guide to discover the whole of Nagano Prefecture.
Nakasendo & Kamikochi - Enjoy the Best Hike
A leisure hike is usually considered the best way to feel the charms of Nagano. Nakasendo, a well-balanced hiking trail for both natural and cultural experiences. Kamikochi, the extreme summer gem of Nagano, showcases the stunning mountain view of the Japan Alps. Take a day or two to plunge into the winding paths of Nakasendo, accompanied by the golden blanket of autumn leaves leading to the village of the hundred ancient houses. Or pitch your tent through the verdant forests along the echoing river to Kamikochi, where to witness the melting snow and twinkle mountain reflections on the water.
Snow Monkey Park - Meet Some Furry Friends
The Snow Monkey Park in Nagano is always a must for families and animal lovers, and capturing the dramatic pose of the bathing snow monkey has gradually become the main reason for visiting Nagano. Also known as Jigokudani Yaen Koen, this is a mountain park deep in the forest, home to around 100 wild Japanese macaques. The good news is that they can be seen all year round, thanks to a long friendship between the park staff and the monkeys. It is quite common to catch them playing around the onsen area, washing their food, or picking up a small cup of water to drink. Don't forget to prepare your boots for a winter visit.
Hakuba Valley - Ski & Hot Springs Experience
One of the main destinations for your winter holiday, Hakuba Valley, is a former Olympic site that still maintains world-class slopes for your perfect skiing and snowboarding experience. It is a fully equipped ski in-and-out resort offering different regions and trails to meet various needs for all kinds of visitors, from the gentle slopes for beginners to tree trails for veterans to challenge. Gear up, leave your tracks on the powder snow, and enjoy the cozy ski while admiring the snow-capped Japan Alps. As the valley also abounds with natural hot springs, you can simply soak in the soothing water after your whole day's skiing.
Zenkoji Temple & Togakushi Shrine - Witness Culture & History
As the city was once built around the temple, a visit to Zenkoji Temple is also a glimpse into Nagano's history. Famous for its hidden Buddha statue (the first Buddha statue to be brought to Japan), which is only shown to the public every six years (the next exhibition is expected in 2028), the temple is a lucky attraction to visit in spring.
Meanwhile, Togakushi-Jinja is a forest shrine about a 30-minute drive from the city center, where you can not only catch your first glimpse of the Japanese countryside but also uncover the mystery of ninjas with a shuriken throwing experience at the Togakushi Ninja Museum.
Lake Suwa - Unwind Nature & Anime Scenery
It may not be a household name, but you may have already seen its breathtaking lake view. From the movie Kagemusha to the animated film Your Name, Lake Suwa is a popular film set for its natural charm, especially the winter's large cracks (God's Crossing) on the frozen surface. It is a tranquil mountain lake suitable for a half-day journey to wander along the stunning lakeside, whether a boat ride to the center of the mirrored surface or a round cycle to catch the gentle breezes, there is much to do for your full immurement in nature. A sunset view here is also recommended, worth a longer stay to capture the fireworks display at the Suwa Fireworks Festival in August.
Fireworks Festival
How Many Days to Spend in Nagano
A longer stay in Nagano, say 2 or 3 days, is always recommended for first-timers as there is so much to do in this natural adventure paradise, enough to take a leisurely hike through the Nakasendo or up to the Japan Alps, soaking up the beauty of nature at your own pace and spending a night or two relaxing in the soothing hot springs and enjoying the local cuisine.
Thanks to the convenient Shinkansen bullet trains, Nagano is also a popular day trip destination, where you can stroll around the temple city of Nagano for some museum sights or deep into the forest temples to feel the harmony between nature and sites.
If you are a nature lover with an adventurous spirit, a week or more in Nagano will be more appreciated, with a complete exploration of the entire Nakasendo Hiking Trail, capturing the stunning mountain scenery from Kamikochi with the valley camp, and finally returning to the city where food and temples are ready to tell their stories, or the local guest house to sample the culture and tradition. You can always find a reason to extend your stay in Nagano.
How to Get to Nagano
Located in central Honshu Island, Nagano is easily accessible from Tokyo. It's typically a 3-hour drive, or you can take advantage of the direct Hokuriku Shinkansen, which also takes around 3 hours, allowing you to enjoy the scenic views along the way.
If you arrive in Osaka, one of the best options is to take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano, which usually takes about 4 hours.
Shinkansen
Where to Stay in Nagano
Nagano City
A popular stay with a range of accommodations to suit different needs. With a relatively close distance to the city's attractions, usually in 10 to 30 minutes, it is also favored by day tour visitors. You can make Nagano your transfer base where you can make the best of shinkansen and public transport to the nearby cities like Tokyo, Nagoya, Kanazawa, and more.
Hakuba
A tranquil town suitable for the Japanese rural experience, with less crowd and a quieter atmosphere for a relaxing journey. It is also home to the Hakuba Onsen and Hakuba Valley, making here an ideal winter gateway to ski and hot springs experiences.
Tsumago & Magome
Tsumago and Mageme are two popular post towns to begin your Nakasendo hike, offering plenty of traditional wooden ryokans for your rest and stay.
Matsumoto
A lively city bustling with historical sites from temples to castles, culture, and food, one of the best choices to stay before your adventure to Kamikochi with many kinds of rooms to pick up.
Nagano Travel Tips
Preparing for the Hike
Although there is no shortage of opportunities for an easy and leisurely walk in Nagano, it should always be noted that the mountain area here requires more attention. If you want to do the whole Nakasendo or Kamikochi route, you will need boots, trainers, or other comfortable footwear. And don't forget the 30-minute walk before you arrive at the Snow Monkey Park in Nagano.
Wear in Layers
The high altitude of the mountainous landscape makes Nagano a perfect summer and winter gateway and also brings a large temperature difference between day and night. Easy dressing and undressing coats will be appreciated to avoid the cold, and will also come in handy in air-conditioned rooms in winter.
Come & Visit Nagano With Odynovo
From the spring blossoms hike to the highland summer escape, from the harvest fall colors to the winter ski adventure with adorable snow monkeys, as a year-round destination, you can always find your reason to visit this charming land of Nagano. Still, have questions about this destination? Feel free to contact Odynovo at [email protected] to plan your Japan tour.
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