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Nagano
If you only have a few days to explore this area, you'll certainly be interested in information on transportation, accommodations, and popular attractions. Let Mytour address these details for you in the article below!
The city is renowned for its beautiful natural landscapes. @planetofhotels
1. Introduction to Nagano
Before the 1998 Winter Olympics, this place wasn't a hot spot for tourism in Japan but rather a small city in Nagano Prefecture. Since this international event, the city has evolved into a renowned outdoor sports hub worldwide. Nagano is also known as the 'roof of Japan,' with the highest mountain ranges in the country. It serves as the main gateway to the Japanese Alps, where exciting activities like skiing and hot spring baths await.
The area is famous for its snow sports. @go-nagano
Additionally, there are historic villages like Tsumago and Narai here, immersed in rustic cultural settings reminiscent of samurai movies. When you visit, you can explore the solemn beauty of Matsumoto Castle or visit famous temples to enjoy moments of tranquility and serenity. Discover more about these exciting experiences in the following section of the article!
The serene and pristine beauty of the city. @travellens
2. Famous Attractions in Nagano
Since preparing for the Winter Olympic Games, the city has undergone many changes in infrastructure to meet the needs of tourists. However, it still preserves some ancient structures, bearing traditional architectural styles and the timeless charm of history. Below is a list of must-visit destinations when exploring this region!
Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park
Located at an altitude of approximately 1200m above sea level, Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park boasts an immense area. It features ski resorts and fascinating cultural sites like the ancient village of Togkaushi. Moreover, within the national park grounds lie majestic mountain ranges, notably Mount Hiuchi standing at 2,462m tall. With its pristine beauty in summer and thrilling skiing activities in winter, this national park attracts a large number of tourists year-round.
Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park during the foliage season. @Travel Japan
Shiga Kogen Ski Resort
Shiga Kogen is Japan's largest and highest ski resort, encompassing 18 ski areas spread across 600ha. With over 80km of ski slopes, it stretches across 5 mountain peaks and offers outdoor sports activities that are second to none. Particularly, it receives snow earlier than neighboring resorts and has a later snowmelt period, extending the skiing season well into spring.
Shiga Kogen - Japan's largest ski resort. @Expedia
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Shiga Kogen offers many experiences for families and children. For kids or inexperienced individuals, the Maruike ski area is a suitable choice. For larger groups or families, visitors can head to Yakebitaiyama ski park for various exciting group activities.
Skiing experience at Shiga Kogen. @go-nagano
Hakuba Valley
Located about 60-90 minutes drive from Nagano station, the ski resorts in Hakuba Valley are also a prominent tourist destination in the city. It is considered one of the best ski resorts in Japan with vast skiing areas and breathtaking views of majestic mountains. It's also where some events of the 1998 Winter Olympics took place.
Ski resorts in Hakuba Valley. @Japan Travel
Breathtaking scenery in Hakuba Valley. @tokyoweekender
Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle boasts an impressive landscape with a height of 30 meters above sea level and an elegant black and white facade. It has been recognized as a National Treasure of Japan and is often referred to by the familiar names of “Karasu-jyo” or “Crow Castle”. The structure consists of 6 floors and 5 towers, built from stacked black bricks. Matsumoto is one of the best-preserved castles in the country and one of only two 6-story castles in Japan.
Matsumoto Castle stands at a height of 30 meters above sea level. @japantravel
Matsumoto Castle features an impressive landscape. @snowmonkeyresorts
Jigokudani Monkey Park
Located in the Yamanouchi area of Nagano, Jigokudani Monkey Park is one of the region's most famous attractions. Here, visitors can encounter adorable snow monkeys and enjoy hot springs during the winter. Travelers delight in frolicking with the monkeys and observing their daily activities. The park also offers stunning landscapes with unique beauty in each season, attracting a large number of visitors to check-in.
Adorable snow monkeys create Jigokudani Monkey Park. @womjapan
Ninpo Togakure Museum
For over 800 years, Mount Togakushi has been closely associated with Japan's legendary ninjas. The Togakure Ninja School was established in the 12th century in this mountainous region, where a Ninja museum and children's Ninja village were built. Located directly across from the snow-covered avenue leading to Okusha, the Ninpo Togakure Museum introduces the local Ninja culture through regular exhibitions and basic Ninja skill experiences. Here, you can participate in maze escape activities and apply the learned Ninja skills to unravel the secret traps scattered throughout the building.
Exterior space of the Ninpo Togakure Museum. @.blogspot
Experience learning basic Ninja skills. @snowmonkeyresorts
3. Most convenient transportation methods
Traveling from Vietnam to Japan
Currently, there aren't many airlines operating flights to Matsumoto Airport in Nagano prefecture. Flights typically last around 11 hours and 20 minutes with at least one layover, and ticket prices usually range from 6,500,000 VND to 9,500,000 VND per way. However, travelers can also book flights to Tokyo and then travel to Nagano city following the detailed instructions below.
Traveling to Japan by airplane. @cntraveler
Traveling to Nagano city
Located approximately 245 km northwest of Tokyo, Nagano city serves as the main transportation hub to the most famous ski resorts in the area. From Shinjuku Station - Tokyo, travelers can take the Hokuriku Shinkansen line to Nagano Station, which takes about 80 to 110 minutes. Alternatively, you can choose to take the Limited Express Shinano train to directly reach Matsumoto Castle and the Kiso Valley, or take the Nagano Dentetsu line to Yamanouchi, the home of the famous Snow Monkeys in Nagano.
Nagano Station is located near many famous attractions. @ZEKKEI Japan
4. Best Accommodation Options in Nagano City
This city offers plenty of accommodation choices for travelers, mostly concentrated around Nagano Station, a convenient stopover from Tokyo to Kanazawa. The hotels here provide comfortable rooms, dining areas, and English-speaking staff to assist international travelers. Below is a list of hotels in Nagano that Mytour recommends for you!
Kokusai 21 Hotel
Situated between Nagano Station and Zenko-ji Temple, Kokusai 21 is the city's oldest international hotel. The hotel offers modern Western-style accommodations with private bathrooms and multiple restaurants serving a variety of dishes. It is highly praised by travelers for its service quality and attentive staff. Moreover, Kokusai 21 boasts a convenient location, allowing easy access to the train station and the city's famous dining and sightseeing areas.
Kokusai 21 Nagano is the city's oldest international hotel. @snowmonkeyresorts
New Nagano NeXT Hotel
Just a 2-minute walk from Nagano Station, New Nagano NeXT provides travelers with a range of accommodations featuring modern amenities at affordable prices. You can choose from 4 room types: Single, Double, Twin, and Superior Twin according to your preferences. All rooms are equipped with luxurious beds, TV, free WiFi, and modern private bathrooms. Additionally, guests can enjoy delicious breakfast served right in their rooms.
New Nagano NeXT offers guests a variety of accommodation options. @snowmonkeyresorts
Senjukaku Hotel
Senjukaku is a hotel located near Jigokudani Monkey Park and about a 25-minute drive from Shiga Kogen ski resort. It is a favorite hotel of Japanese royalty members, featuring elegant design and special services such as onsen baths and traditional Kaiseki meals. The rooms here are designed in classical Japanese architecture with futon mattresses laid on tatami floors. Some rooms are equipped with private hot tubs, and the hotel also provides outdoor hot spring baths for guests.
The rooms here are designed in classical architecture. @Booked
5. Delicious Cuisine of Nagano City
Not only does this city offer many exciting destinations, but it also boasts a diverse culinary scene. So, when traveling here, don't forget to take the time to enjoy these unique flavors!
Shinshu Soba Noodles
Buckwheat is a traditional ingredient favored by the Japanese for over 2000 years. Thanks to the cold climate and large temperature differences between day and night, Nagano has become an ideal land for this plant to thrive. Perhaps that's why Shinshu Soba noodles made from local buckwheat have such a delicious flavor.
Shinshu Soba noodles are made from locally grown buckwheat. @squarespace
Oyaki Dumplings
These dumplings are also made from buckwheat flour with fillings including vegetables, fruits, or sweet beans. After shaping, the dumplings are golden-baked on an iron skillet, and you can ask the shopkeeper to steam them hot before eating. This is a wonderful light snack after a day of exploring on your trip.
Oyaki Dumplings are a fantastic light snack. @OCjapanfair
Gyunyu Pan Milk Bread
This simple snack is beloved by the people of Nagano for its sweet and creamy flavor. Bread loaves are cut into rectangles and filled with a generous amount of creamy butter. You can easily find this treat at most bakeries and convenience stores around the city.
Gyunyu Pan Milk Bread is highly cherished by the locals. @Swaps
Sanzoku-yaki Fried Chicken
Fried chicken, already a dish that attracts many diners, becomes even more enticing in Nagano thanks to its garlic, onion, and soy sauce marinade. Sanzoku-yaki originates from the Matsumoto or Shiojiri area and has gradually become popular throughout the prefecture. You can find this dish at most pubs and restaurants around Nagano.
Sanzoku-yaki Fried Chicken is irresistible thanks to its special sauce. @takas-kitchen
Nagano
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