Things To Do
in Saku
Saku is a town located in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. It is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including lush forests and picturesque mountains. The town is also famous for its rich agricultural heritage, producing high-quality fruit and vegetables.
Saku offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and those seeking a relaxing retreat.
- "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 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing hike at Yatsugatake Mountain. The beautiful scenery and fresh air will energize you for the day ahead.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at the peaceful Chino Riverbank Park. Spend some time relaxing by the water and taking in the serene environment.
Visit Saku Central Park to see the sunset. Grab dinner at a local izakaya for a taste of traditional Japanese cuisine.
Visit the Saku City Museum to learn about the region's rich history. The exhibits provide a fascinating glimpse into Saku's past.
Explore the remains of Saku Castle and admire its architecture. The views from the castle site are stunning and worth your time.
Dine at a nearby restaurant that offers local dishes. Enjoy a leisurely meal while reflecting on your day of exploration.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with traditional festivals and historical sites
- Beautiful natural landscapes including mountains and rivers
- Friendly and welcoming local community
- Access to fresh, locally-sourced food and unique culinary experiences
- Low crime rate and high safety standards
- Limited public transportation options compared to larger cities
- Fewer job opportunities in specialized fields
- Risk of natural disasters such as earthquakes due to geographical location
- Less nightlife and entertainment options compared to urban areas
- Potential language barriers for non-Japanese speakers
Best Activities in Saku
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a scenic hike up Mount Asama, the most active volcano on Honshu, offering beautiful views of the surrounding area.
Explore the resort town of Karuizawa, known for its stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreational activities, and charming shopping streets.
Take a leisurely bike ride around the picturesque Lake Miyazawa, surrounded by forests and offering peaceful landscapes.
Play a round of golf at the Saku International Golf Club, featuring a well-maintained course and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
During the winter season, enjoy skiing and snowboarding at Asama 2000 Park, offering a variety of slopes for all skill levels.
Tours
Uncover the best of Saku with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Saku
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and is a popular spot for photographers.
Provides stunning views of the mountains and is particularly picturesque during the winter months.
Offers spectacular views of the Chikuma River and the surrounding mountains, making it a great spot for photography enthusiasts.
Food in Saku
Saku Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Saku is famous for its handcrafted soba noodles made from locally grown buckwheat. Head to Saku's Soba Village to experience this local delicacy at its finest.
Must-Try!
Indulge in the succulent Shinshu salmon, a local specialty that is often lightly salted and grilled to perfection. Enjoy it at traditional Japanese izakayas in the area.
Try the aromatic Hoba Miso dish, where miso paste is grilled on a magnolia leaf along with mushrooms, tofu, and vegetables. It's a flavorful delight available at local restaurants.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Saku better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Visit the Saku Morning Market, bustling with stalls selling fresh produce, local snacks, and handmade crafts. Sample grilled skewers, takoyaki, and other street food delights.
Explore the vibrant food stalls offering a variety of treats such as oyaki (stuffed dumplings), oyaki sandwiches, and other regional specialties perfect for on-the-go snacking.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Saku, it is important to show respect for elders by using polite language and gestures, such as bowing slightly when greeting or thanking them.
Being on time is highly valued in Saku, so it is important to arrive punctually for meetings, events, and social gatherings.
It is customary to remove shoes before entering someone's home or certain traditional establishments in Saku, so it's important to follow this practice as a sign of respect.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Saku with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Saku
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is generally not practiced in Saku, Japan, as it is not a part of the traditional culture. In fact, it can be considered rude in certain situations. Service charges are often included in the bill at restaurants, hotels, and other establishments.
In Saku, Japan, cash is still widely used for making payments, although credit and debit cards are also accepted at many places, especially in urban areas. When using cash, it is common to place the money in a tray rather than handing it directly to the recipient.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Saku.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Saku in spring is during the cherry blossom season, typically from late March to early April. The city's parks and gardens come alive with beautiful cherry blossoms, creating a stunning sight for visitors.
Summer in Saku can be warm and humid. The months of June to August are popular for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and visiting the local lakes and mountains. The area is also known for its summer festivals and events, offering a vibrant atmosphere for travelers.
Autumn, particularly October to November, is a great time to witness the stunning fall foliage in Saku. The surrounding mountains and parks transform into a picturesque display of red, orange, and yellow hues, making it an ideal time for nature lovers and photographers to visit.
For winter enthusiasts, Saku offers opportunities for skiing and snowboarding in nearby resorts during the snowy months of December to February. The region's snowy landscapes and cozy hot spring resorts also provide a tranquil and scenic retreat for visitors seeking a winter wonderland experience.
Saku at Night
Hiking in Saku
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful highland area offering a variety of trails with scenic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
A popular hiking destination with well-marked trails that lead to stunning vistas and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
A lush forest area with hikes suitable for all levels, featuring serene landscapes and picnic spots.
A majestic mountain range offering diverse trails, including challenging routes for experienced hikers and easier paths for beginners.
Surrounded by scenic hiking trails, this area offers beautiful lake views and a peaceful environment.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Saku through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Saku by plane.
Located approximately 130 kilometers from Saku, this airport serves the Nagoya area and is an important hub for international flights.
Situated about 230 kilometers from Saku, Narita Airport is one of the main international airports serving the Greater Tokyo Area.
Approximately 240 kilometers from Saku, Haneda Airport is closer to central Tokyo and handles a significant number of domestic and international flights.
Located about 320 kilometers southwest of Saku, this airport serves the Osaka area and connects to various international destinations.
Also known as Osaka International Airport, it is approximately 310 kilometers from Saku and mainly handles domestic flights, with some limited international services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant demographic in Saku, consisting mainly of ethnic Japanese individuals, reflecting traditional cultural practices and societal norms.
Includes expatriates and immigrants from various countries, contributing to the multicultural aspects of the city.
A significant portion of the population, due to Japan's aging demographic trends, with a focus on health care and social support for older adults.
Comprising school-age children and college students who represent the younger demographic, often involved in educational institutions and local activities.
Adults engaged in the workforce, crucial to the local economy and community development.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is a highly popular sport in Saku, with local teams and schools actively participating in various leagues and tournaments.
Soccer enjoys a strong following in Saku, with many youth clubs and community teams promoting the sport among residents.
Basketball is played in schools and local clubs, making it a popular choice for both recreational and competitive play.
Rugby has a growing community in Saku, with a focus on youth development and participation in regional competitions.
Various forms of martial arts, including judo and karate, are practiced in Saku, contributing to the local culture and physical education.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Saku.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Japanese cuisine heavily features seafood, many restaurants in Saku offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes such as vegetable tempura, tofu-based meals, and fresh salads.
Travelers with gluten restrictions can enjoy dishes like sashimi, soups, and grilled meats, and also find rice-based treats and snacks at the local markets and specialty stores.