Nagano

Introduction

Nestled within the Nagano Basin in the central Chūbu region, you will find this core city serving as the capital and largest urban center of Nagano Prefecture. Situated at a high altitude, it holds the distinction of being the highest prefectural capital in Japan.

Before you go

Prepare for your visit by noting that many facilities from the 1998 Winter Olympic Games remain in use today, including the M-Wave speedskating arena and the Aqua-Wing arena. These venues make the area a popular destination if you are an enthusiast of indoor and outdoor sports.

You can also use Nagano as your starting point for excursions to the nearby mountains, known as the Japanese Alps, where you can find various ski resorts and onsen. For planning your trip, the local tourist association provides a guide site in Japanese that includes integrated machine translation.

Getting there

You can reach Nagano from Tokyo by taking the Hokuriku Shinkansen. The Kagayaki and Hakutaka services offer fewer stops than the Asama trains. If you are traveling from Nagoya, the Wide View Shinano limited express provides a direct connection. For travelers starting in Kyoto or Osaka, you can take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya and transfer to the Shinano, or take the Thunderbird to Kanazawa before boarding the Hokuriku Shinkansen.

Alternatively, you can travel by highway bus from Tokyo, with departures available from terminals in Shinjuku and Ikebukuro. For those starting in Osaka or Kyoto, Hankyu and Nankai buses offer both daytime and nighttime runs to Nagano.

Getting around

You can navigate the city center by taking the Gururingo, which provides a convenient loop service through the heart of the area.

Where to stay

You can find budget accommodations that offer convenient access to local landmarks. Choose a hostel near the station for easy transit or stay in a facility just steps away from Zenkoji Temple where you can enjoy clean facilities and friendly, English-speaking staff. For a unique experience, stay in a former temple building located a few blocks from the main temple grounds. Other budget options provide communal spaces like kitchens and living rooms, as well as information on outdoor activities.

If you prefer a more traditional experience, stay at an elegant inn featuring Taisho-era Western-style architecture located just south of Zenkoji's main gate. Alternatively, choose a historic hotel near the temple that serves natural, healthy food prepared with slow food methods and features art-laden walls.

Food & drink

Savor the local flavors of Nagano by sampling Shinsyu soba, a regional specialty known for being healthy and delicious. For a unique culinary experience, visit Sakura to enjoy dishes featuring miso made with sake by-products, where you can also try exotic miso ice cream. If you prefer a more whimsical atmosphere, find various foods inspired by the Very Hungry Caterpillar at 1 Hungry Caterpillar Cafe, or stop by Irohado for their famous oyaki.

Explore a variety of drinking environments depending on your preference:

• Experience a post-war themed izakaya at Hanbey, where you can watch staff cook in an intimate setting decorated with vintage advertisements.
• Visit the Shiga-Kogen Brewery to sample locally made beers and sake at a historic site.
• Enjoy a pirate-themed atmosphere at Parley, featuring a ship-shaped facade and a dedicated cargo hold bar.
• Relax at Bluebird, a Western-style pool and dart bar with a view of the street.
• Find a lively atmosphere in the centrally-located nightclub High-Five.

What to see and do

Explore the spiritual heart of the city at Zenkōji, a major pilgrimage site dating back to the 7th century. You can admire the historic inner gate and wander along a street lined with traditional houses and atmospheric restaurants where you can purchase talismans as souvenirs. Nearby, visit Nishi-no-Mon Yoshinoya, a sake brewery housed in traditional buildings that features a small museum showcasing historic photographs and brewing equipment. For those seeking art, the Nagano Prefectural Art Museum offers a gallery dedicated to the tranquil landscapes of Higashiyama Kaii.

Experience local traditions by attending Binzuru, a large summer festival where numerous groups dance through Chuo-dori with wooden scoops before gathering at Zenkōji. You can also explore the history of the region at the Matsushiro Underground Imperial Headquarters, a massive bunker complex built during the Second World War. For relaxation, visit local hot springs such as Kagai Onsen Ichiyoukan, which features long flowing indoor baths, or Omura Onsen Makibanoyu, where you can soak in an outdoor bath with views of the Northern Alps.

Three days in Nagano

Day one, you can begin your journey in the Nagano Basin. You might choose to visit Zenkoji Temple to experience the local culture of this region within the Japanese Alps.

Day two, you can explore more of the area situated in the Chūbu region. You can take in the scenery of the surrounding landscape and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Nagano Prefecture.

Day three, you can prepare for your departure from the area. Whether you are heading toward Tokyo or other destinations like Kyoto or Osaka, you can enjoy the final moments of your stay in this part of Japan.