Things To Do
in Nagano
Nagano, Japan is known for its picturesque mountain landscapes and ski resorts, including the famous Hakuba Valley. The city is also home to the historic Zenko-ji Temple, a significant religious site dating back to the 7th century. Nagano hosted the Winter Olympics in 1998, showcasing its world-class sports venues and facilities.
Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, hot springs, and exploring traditional Japanese architecture in this charming city.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $80
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $80
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to Zenko-ji Temple, an iconic Buddhist site. Enjoy a hearty Japanese breakfast at a local café nearby.
Explore the beautiful gardens and trails around the temple. Don't miss the chance to try the local soba noodles for lunch.
In the evening, stroll through the historic Machiko street and explore its small shops. Wrap up the day with a kaiseki dinner, sampling seasonal dishes.
Begin with a trip to the Jigokudani Monkey Park to see snow monkeys in their natural hot spring habitat. The morning light offers perfect photo opportunities.
After the park, head to Yudanaka Onsen for a relaxing soak. Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant specializing in onsen cuisine.
As the sun sets, explore the onsen town's shops. Treat yourself to a dinner of freshly caught river fish at a local izakaya.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural scenery, including mountains and rivers, perfect for outdoor activities.
- Rich cultural heritage with traditional Japanese architecture and festivals.
- Famous for its hot springs (onsen), providing a relaxing experience.
- Home to excellent skiing facilities and winter sports opportunities.
- A variety of local delicacies and fresh produce available in the region.
- Limited public transportation options compared to larger cities.
- Can be quite cold in winter, which may not appeal to everyone.
- Some areas may have a language barrier for non-Japanese speakers.
- Rural regions can be isolated, making access to urban amenities challenging.
- Typhoon season may lead to heavy rainfall and disruptions.
Best Activities in Nagano
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Nagano is known for its excellent ski resorts with abundant snowfall, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
The Nagano region offers numerous trails and walking paths, providing opportunities to explore its beautiful natural landscapes and scenic vistas.
With its varied terrain and picturesque surroundings, Nagano is an ideal destination for cycling and mountain biking adventures.
Relax and rejuvenate in one of Nagano's many hot springs, known for their therapeutic and relaxing properties.
Places to Visit in Nagano
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers views of beautiful forests and mountains, especially during autumn.
Opportunity to capture photos of Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) bathing in hot springs against a mountain backdrop.
Magnificent historical castle with stunning mountain views in the background.
Fantastic views of the Northern Alps and the surrounding Hakuba Valley, especially during winter.
Food in Nagano
Nagano Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A specialty of Nagano, this buckwheat noodle dish is often served cold with a savory dipping sauce. One of the best places to try soba is at the historic Shinano-ya soba restaurant in Nagano City.
Must-Try!
A unique local dish featuring a flavorful miso-based sauce with mushrooms, tofu, and vegetables, grilled on a magnolia leaf. Visitors can savor this specialty at traditional restaurants in the Hida area of Nagano.
These savory dumplings are made from buckwheat or regular flour and stuffed with various fillings such as mushrooms, vegetables, or sweet red bean paste. Try authentic oyaki at local markets or specialty shops in the region.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Obuse is famous for its chestnuts, and the market offers a delightful array of chestnut-based products like chestnut rice cakes, sweets, and even chestnut-flavored beer. Visitors can enjoy these treats while strolling through the charming streets of Obuse.
This picturesque village is known for its rustic soba restaurants and street food stalls offering fresh soba noodles, tempura, and local snacks surrounded by the serene Togakushi forest. It's a must-visit for food enthusiasts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Nagano, it is important to show respect for elders by using polite language and bowing when greeting or showing gratitude.
It is customary to remove shoes before entering a Japanese home or certain traditional establishments in Nagano as a sign of respect and cleanliness.
When dining in Nagano, it is polite to say 'itadakimasu' before eating to show appreciation for the meal, and to use chopsticks properly while avoiding sticking them upright in a bowl, as this is associated with funeral rituals.
Safety
Tipping in Nagano
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Nagano, Japan. It is generally not expected or required in restaurants, hotels, or other service industries.
In Nagano, Japan, the preferred method of payment is cash. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most places, especially in urban areas and tourist hotspots. However, it is always a good idea to carry cash for smaller establishments and local markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Nagano is during spring (March to May) when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom and the weather is pleasant.
Summer (June to August) is a great time for outdoor activities in Nagano, with hiking, mountain biking, and festivals.
Autumn (September to November) offers beautiful fall foliage and is a popular time for enjoying the hot springs and local cuisine.
Winter (December to February) is perfect for skiing and snowboarding in Nagano's famous ski resorts, as well as enjoying winter festivals and hot springs.
Nagano at Night
Hiking in Nagano
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Famous for its wild Japanese macaques, this park offers trails through the picturesque landscape of the snow monkeys in their natural hot spring environment.
A stunning mountain area in the Northern Japan Alps, Kamikochi features beautiful trails along the Azusa River, with views of towering peaks and lush scenery.
One of Japan's largest ski resorts, Shiga Kogen also offers a range of hiking trails in summer, showcasing the area's stunning alpine landscapes and rich biodiversity.
A historic post town trail connecting Tsumago and Magome allows hikers to experience traditional Japanese architecture and scenic countryside.
A volcanic mountain range offering various trails with breathtaking views. Ideal for both seasoned hikers and those looking for leisurely walks.
Known for its beautiful landscapes and historic post towns, Kiso Valley provides a scenic hiking route along the ancient Nakasendo road.
A popular peak in the Northern Alps with a relatively challenging hike leading to stunning panoramic views from the summit.
Although not a traditional hiking site, Ueno Park in Nagano is a lovely place for leisurely walks amidst beautiful gardens and cultural sites.
A highland area providing numerous trails, including routes around Norikura Mountain, featuring scenic landscapes and diverse flora.
Aiports
How to reach Nagano by plane.
Located approximately 250 kilometers east of Nagano, Narita International Airport is one of Japan's major international airports, serving as a hub for many international flights.
Located about 280 kilometers south of Nagano, Haneda Airport is one of the busiest airports in Japan, primarily handling domestic flights but also offering a range of international services.
Situated around 300 kilometers west of Nagano, Kansai International Airport serves the Osaka region and is a significant international gateway to Japan.
Located approximately 200 kilometers southwest of Nagano, Chubu Centrair International Airport serves the Nagoya area and offers numerous international and domestic flights.
About 180 kilometers south of Nagano, Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport serves the Shizuoka area and operates a variety of international and domestic flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Nagano, comprising around 95% of the population.
Indigenous people of Japan, with a small population in Nagano.
A minority group in Nagano, primarily consisting of Zainichi Koreans.
A small community of Chinese nationals and residents.
Includes various international residents and foreign workers.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Nagano is famous for its ski resorts and is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding, especially during the winter months.
With its abundant snowfall and various terrains, Nagano is a hotspot for snowboarders looking for thrilling slopes.
Ice hockey is quite popular in Nagano, particularly following the 1998 Winter Olympics, which showcased the region's ice sports.
Baseball has a strong following in Nagano, with local teams and high school tournaments attracting significant attention.
Nagano hosts several marathon events, drawing both local and international runners to compete in its scenic landscapes.
The mountainous terrain around Nagano offers excellent opportunities for hiking, drawing outdoor enthusiasts year-round.
Football has been gaining popularity in Nagano, with local clubs and community events promoting the sport.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nagano.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Japanese cuisine heavily features seafood and meat, many restaurants in Nagano offer vegetarian and vegan options, such as vegetable tempura, tofu-based dishes, and fresh vegetable sushi rolls. It's advisable to communicate dietary preferences clearly, and some eateries may even accommodate special requests.
Though soy sauce is prevalent in Japanese cuisine, several restaurants in Nagano are becoming increasingly aware of gluten-free requirements and may offer gluten-free soy sauce or modify dishes to accommodate gluten sensitivities. It's recommended to inquire in advance and confirm the ingredients used in each dish to ensure a safe dining experience.