2025 Nagano Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in February)

Many people know the name of Kumano Kodo, but Nagano also has an ancient road - Togakushi Kodo, which becomes one of the most attractive hiking routes in Japan in winter. . Togakushi Shrine is located at the foot of Mount Togakushi in northwest Nagano and is a collective name for five shrines: Okusha, Kuzuryusha, Chusha, Hino-mikosha, and Hokosha. The main experience here is the 6 km pilgrimage route to the five shrines, with towering trees and a snowy environment that will leave a lasting impression. . The order of the five shrines is Hokosha → Hino-mikosha → Chusha → Okusha → Kuzuryusha. The most famous tree-lined path is at the entrance of Okusha, with 400-year-old cedar trees that are so tall and thick that they seem to have no top, creating a solemn and awe-inspiring scene that is perfect for photos! . 🚌Transportation: You can take a bus at Platform 7 of Nagano Station. There is a ticket station next to the platform where you can buy a full-day pass for JPY 3,000 per person, which allows unlimited rides on these buses all day. Each shrine has a bus stop, and you can also take the bus back to Nagano City. . 🎿Travel gear: It snowed a while ago, so you can wear a 3-in-1 jacket or a thin waterproof down jacket, a sweater, and thermal pants. Wear high-top hiking shoes, and it is recommended to bring crampons and trekking poles, as the steps are quite slippery. ⚠⚠⚠Buses do not go to Okusha in winter⚠ December 14, 2024 - March 31, 2025 Buses only go to Chusha, not Okusha⚠To visit the ancient cedar path of Okusha, you must walk about 40 minutes from Chusha to the entrance of Okusha, and then walk about 2 hours round trip to see Okusha. . ❗Please cherish every restroom you encounter! Because they are rare! Some are even closed! 🍝Restaurant: On the way back to the entrance of Okusha, there is a soba noodle restaurant with a nice taste and a beautiful view by the window! You can pay electronically, but there may be no signal in the store, so you can prepare cash just in case. ⛩Five shrines introduction: 1⃣ Hokosha •Deity: Ame-no-Uwaharu-no-Mikoto •Blessings: Academic progress📚, skill improvement🎨, safe childbirth and child-rearing👶. 2⃣ Hino-mikosha •Deity: Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto •Blessings: Performing arts improvement💃, good luck in love💌. 3⃣ Chusha •Deity: Ame-no-Yagokoro-Omoikane-no-Mikoto •Blessings: Career success💼, academic achievement🎓, good luck🌟. 4⃣ Kuzuryusha •Deity: Kuzuryu-no-Okami •Blessings: Wealth💰, agricultural harvest🌾, rain and water protection💦. 5⃣ Okusha •Deity: Ame-no-Tajikarao-no-Mikoto •Blessings: Wish fulfillment🎯, good luck and protection🛡

Japan's winter season, with its long-lasting snow period, sees Nagano, located in the central highlands of the 'Roof of Japan,' as a major snowfall area. Unlike the crowded and chilly Hokkaido, the serene and majestic Nagano is much gentler. Here, you can enjoy skiing, hot springs, and sightseeing just as well. I personally have a strong preference for natural and cultural landscapes and am not very interested in urban shopping. When I first saw these photos, I thought they were so beautiful that I had to visit. For the sake of a few pictures, I went to [Nagano] 🌲 💫 Travel Tips: ✅ Narai-juku: A post town that is more Kyoto than Kyoto itself, perfectly preserving the Showa era's charm with little commercial atmosphere. If you have enough time, you can stay overnight in the town. ✅ Togakushi Shrine: A mystical shrine that enshrines five Shinto shrines. The ancient path leading to the Okusha is lined with cedar trees over 400 years old, which look even more stunning covered in snow. If you want to visit the Okusha, be careful as the stairs and slopes at the end are very slippery. ✅ Jigokudani Monkey Park: You can watch monkeys soaking in hot springs. It is recommended to visit in the very cold winter or early in the morning to see the snow monkeys soaking voluntarily. ✅ Hakuba Village: A former Winter Olympics host site and one of Japan's top three ski resorts. A must-visit for skiing in Nagano, with multiple ski areas and abundant snow trails. Ski enthusiasts should not miss this place. ⭐ Recommended Hot Springs: ♨️ Shibu Onsen: With over 1300 years of history, strolling through the narrow alleys in the evening wearing a yukata and wooden clogs feels like being in the world of Spirited Away. There are nine public hot springs, each with its own unique features (each is said to have different therapeutic effects!). The nearby hot spring town is retro and quiet, with shops and restaurants, so you won't be bored after soaking in the hot springs.

Holiday in November 2024 Sunny Nagano was indeed cold. We started our drive from Tokyo at 4 AM for the autumn foliage viewing. Our destination was the Okusha parking lot of Togakushi Shrine. We arrived around 9 AM, and the parking lot was full. We were relieved to find a temporary parking lot. It took about an hour round trip from Okusha to the end point, walking at a fairly fast pace. We drove to Chusha, and the parking lot at Chusha was also full. We were about to give up, but we went down to Hokosha and found a temporary parking lot. Hokosha was quiet with few people. It took 30 minutes to walk to Chusha through the Shinto path. We got a fortune slip at Chusha and headed back.

Zenkoji Temple, located in Nagano City, is one of Japan's oldest and most significant Buddhist temples. It is said that the history of Zenkoji dates back to 642 AD when it was founded by Yoshimitsu Honda. The temple enshrines a statue known as 'Ikko Sanzon Amida Nyorai,' which is believed to be one of the earliest Buddhist statues in Japan. Throughout history, Zenkoji has been rebuilt and renovated multiple times, becoming a center of faith and culture that attracts countless devotees and tourists. The architectural style of Zenkoji is unique, blending various architectural elements. The main hall (Hondo) is one of the largest wooden structures in Japan, grand and magnificently decorated inside. The temple complex also includes many other important buildings, such as the Sanmon Gate, Kyozo (scripture house), and the bell tower, each showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and design. The temple gardens are another highlight, offering picturesque views that change with the seasons. The approach to Zenkoji is lined with traditional shops and restaurants, creating a rich historical atmosphere. Here, you can find stores selling local specialties and souvenirs, such as Shinshu miso, shichimi togarashi (seven-flavor chili pepper), and handicrafts. Visitors can also enjoy local delicacies like soba noodles (Shinshu soba) and grilled rice dumplings (dango). There are also teahouses along the approach, offering traditional Japanese sweets, making it a great place to rest and relax. 📍Address: 491 Motoyoshicho, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture. It is about a 10-minute bus ride from Nagano Station, making it very convenient to access.

Togakushi Shrine is located at the foot of Mt. Togakushi and consists of five shrines: Okusha, Nakasha, Hokosha, Kuzuryusha, and Hinomikosha. On the approach to Okusha (first photo), a row of 400-year-old Japanese cedar trees continues for about 500 meters from the red Zuishinmon Gate, and it takes about 40 minutes to walk to the main shrine. There is also Tenmei Inari Shrine on Mt. Togakushi. If you walk along the path shown in the fifth photo, you will see the red torii gate shown in the fourth photo. The greenery is beautiful along the way, so please go and check it out. 📍Togakushi Shrine Okusha Location: 3690 Togakushi, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture Parking: About 200 spaces (free) at several locations near the entrance to the Okusha approach #TogakushiShrine #OkushaApproach #NaganoPrefecture #NaganoTrip #Shrine #DomesticTrip

#thingstodo A wonderful place for a picnic and a beautiful view of Nagano below. We were a little too early in spring, the cherry blossom was just starting to bloom. The park is free and has many dinosaurs for the kids to explore and climb onto or into. Some of them double as slides or for climbing. There are some great slides which were very popular with all the kids in the park. So many smiling faces running up and down the hill. They will all sleep early tonight. Bring your lunch box with you and a blanket. Find some shade and enjoy the peace and quiet. Don't sit near the slides, too many happy kids. Lots of parking and clean toilets at the top of the hill. You will find plenty ty of green grass and shade to have your picnic before walking down to the play area.

#2024wish Admission fee is 400 yen for adults. The common ticket with the Treasure Museum and the Cultural and Martial Arts School is 1100 yen. It was a castle outer palace of Matsushiro Castle built in 1864 (Genji era) by Yukinori, the ninth lord of the domain, as the residence of his mother-in-law, Teishoin (the wife of Yukiyoshi), and was called "Shin Goten" at that time. In the Edo period, the wives and children of daimyo were obliged to live in Edo for the rest of their lives, but in 1862 (Bunkyu 2), due to the relaxation of the Sankinkokotai system due to the reform of Bunkyu carried out in the era of the 14th Shogun Iemochi Tokugawa, because their wives and children were allowed to return home, Matsushiro also needed a mansion. Later, Yukinori after his retirement also lived here, and after the Meiji period, it became the private house of Mr. Sanada, who became a count. In 1966, it was transferred to Matsushiro-cho at that time with generations of family treasures by the 12th head of the family, Mr. Koji. The main building, the front gate, 7 earthen buildings, and the garden convey the style of palace architecture at the end of the Edo period well, and it is a valuable building from the perspective of architectural history, and it is designated as a national historic site as one with Matsushiro Castle. The taste of the four seasons in the zata-style garden is also a highlight. I wish to travel to south korea in 2024

Autumn is ending but begining of a new season change before cold winter. Loving the Autumn season in Japan which so vibrant with so much insta picture que that you could see in real life painting. Tranquility and that peace and balance...... Hello Nagano! Hello Japan!.... Nice weather..... #fallvibes

Zenkoji is well-known among many people in Japan. This spot is in Nagano city, which is a popular place for skiing. A winter Olympic was held in Nagano. From Nagano station, you can walk or take a bus. The gate is so large that Japanese people are amazed whenever we see it . #Zenkoji #Japan #Temple #善光寺 #長野 #日本

#外游 Zenkoji, also known as "Shinshu Zenkoji" or "Shinano Zenkoji", is a non-denominational Buddhist temple located in Nagano, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Built about 1,400 years ago, this ancient Japanese temple enshrines Amida Tathagata, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva, and is known as the "Zenkoji Temple Amida Three". The main hall of the temple was designated as Building National Treasure No. 106 by the Japanese government on March 31, Showa 28 (1953).

Name📝: Zenko-ji Omotesando 善光寺表參道 Nearest train station 🚉: Zenkojishita 善光寺下 Address📍: Nagano, 381-0841, Japan Famous for✨: The cultural architecture on the street The many local restaurants and street food stalls The various small temples that lead to the main Zenkoji Temple Tourist spots nearby 👀: ⛩️Zenko Ji Temple -25 minutes walk 🐻 Jooyama Zoo - 17 minutes walk #nagano #Zenkoji #Zenkojitemple #japan

Address📍: Japan, 〒380-0826 Nagano, 大字南長野北石堂町1398 Nearest train station 🚉 : Shiyakusho Mae 市役所前 (5 minute walk) Famous for ✨: its local importance and the many “land gods” inside. It is also one of the local temples on the way to the famous Zenko-ji Temple Tourist spots nearby 👀: ⛩️ Zenko-ji Temple (20 minute walk) 🛍️ Zenko-ji Omotesando shopping Street (10 minute walk) 🐵 Joyama Zoo (30 minute walk) #japan #Nagano #temple #Saikoji

Name 📝: Amagawa Shrine 天川神社 Address📍: 1278-1 Hirao, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401, Japan Nearest train station 🚉: Yudanaka Famous for ✨: its history and importance in the area, its architecture and it’s tranquility Tourist spots nearby 👀: ♨️ the numerous outdoor and indoor hot spring places in the area 🖼️ Shiga Kogen Roman Museum that shows the artworks of Roman influenced Japan #nagano #Yudanaka #japan

Name📝: Zenko-ji Omotesando 善光寺表參道 Address📍: Japan, 〒380-0853 Nagano Nearest train station 🚉: Zenkojishita 善光寺下 Famous for ✨: the many souvenir shops and local delicacies all the way leading up to the Zenko-ji Temple Tourist spots nearby 👀: ⛩️ Zenko Ji Temple (from the beginning of the shopping Street it’s about 25 minute walk, but time passes quickly when you are shopping) 🐵 Joyama Zoo (from the end of the street at Zenko Ji Temple only 10 minute walk) #nagano #Zenkoji #japan

This pond has also an amazing view of momiji in orange color. You can see also in here the nice reflection of nature in the water 🤩🤩🤩. There’s near toilet too if ever your by car and want to stop over. We had tour bus and visited this famous pond. This is a pond for agriculture, but become famous for the work paintedby Higashiyama Kaii, a famous Japanese painter. Beautiful.

*This is just some snaps from the bus when I went to Nagano for the autumn viewing in November.Nagano is one of the beautiful place you can visit if you live here in Japan or if you are living outside the country and planning to come here. You can add this into your list and check some other places here in Nagano if you want😊.Nagano is just 3-4 hours trip from Tokyo if you gonna ride a bus but you can also take a train if you want or a taxi etc. #autumn2022 #throwbackpics #naganoadventure #japan #japanAutumn

#skiadventure Address - Nagano, Japan Ambiance/Facilities - Christmas wonderland, ski facilities, hot spring, restaurants Highlights - White flurry snow Avg. Price per Person - $200 to >$500 Rating - 5.0 out of 5.0 stars If you want to enjoy the purest Christmas and see white flurry snow flew down from the sky covering roof, cars and streets. You also dream of building snowman and making snow angel. You want to ski down the most exciting slopes. Then you have to visit Nagano in Japan where there are great food great snow and great ski resort. #japan #winter #nagano

Kamikochi is one of the most famous parts of this park, and it is a large area that offers hiking opportunities to hikers of all levels. It attracts walkers who are just looking to spend some leisurely time in nature to those who are experienced rock climbers. While some hikes can be completed within one day (like a walk around Tokusawa), many courses require multiple days so it is important to plan your hike well! By car: you should either aim for the Sawando Parking Area (coming from the Matsumoto direction) or for the Hirayu Parking Area (coming from the Takayama direction). Private cars are forbidden to enter Kamikochi itself to protect the environment. From the parking areas it is around 25 minutes by bus or taxi to get to Kamikochi itself. There are bus terminals at both parking areas.

Enjoyed snow season with them all, in Nagano and Shirakawago. I can't wait for this year's adventure. Let's enjoy together. #celebratewithtrip

#fallingforfall Gorgeous Red and Yellow colored leaves slowly decent covers valley of Nagano in Japan. Autumn usually starts from month of September all the way to November. Nagano has most highland and mountaneous areas. Imagine you walking around with this crimson colored leaves. Just fell in love with the view as I visit Japan again after the border close after covid pandemic. Why not visit Japan during Autumn and enjoy the beauty of fall. Autumn is one of the beautiful times of the year in Nagano Japan!

#fallingforfall travelling in Japan is so much fun plus you have choosen the most romanric season of fall. Traveling to Japan over and over again in different season still facinating. Going outside Tokyo around country side drive 2hrs to Nagano whew so nice. Like if you are a nature lover personality, definitely you will just savor the moment in simple street of Japan. Polite people and rich in culture. I love the food too... mode of transportation: rented a car + local driver who tour us around #fallingforfall

4-5 hour drive from Tokyo, Mount Nekodate and Azumaya is a fantastic place to visit. We went for hiking and the Icecream they sell near the entrance is so tasty. Highly recommend carrying the cane, enough water and a hiking shoes. The top part was covered with the snow and was slippery. Take Care #hiking #naganoadventure #nagano #naganojapan #travel #stressscape #getyourstuffsandgoout #lol

beautiful stroll along the trees

#awesomepic Great little temple with some manicured conifers, nice little cemetery out the back. Togakushi-jinja Shrine, located at the base of Mt. Togakushi to the northwest of Nagano, is connected to one of Japan's most enduring legends. #awesomepic

When it comes to Japan, it’s always Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hokkaido. It’s time to show some love for Nagano. Approximately 4 hrs by bus, 1.5 hrs by Shinkansen. Best time to go is during winter, late December to early March. Nagano is best known for its winter activities(Snowboarding, Skiing, Sledding, etc.). #naganoadventure #wintertimefood #happynewyear #happynewyear

Zenko Cathedral is the oldest Buddhist building in Japan. It has a long history of 1400 years. It is also the temple that best reflects Japanese culture. Because of the architectural and cultural heritage of the Zenkoji Temple and the Hidden Shrine, Nagano is filled with a strong cultural atmosphere and natural resources. Get off at the bus stop and go to the Zenkoji Temple. On both sides of the road are the courtyards and temples that are very old in Japan. They are all enshrined in different places. The lush green trees in front of the door add to the enthusiasm. Going inside can go to Daren Wangmen, this Renwangmen was burned down in 1752, and now Renwangmen was newly built in 1918. Walking through the Renwang Gate will pass through a street full of shops selling many products about Buddhism, called Zhong Zhong Shi Tong. After walking through a long street, I went to the gate of the Zenko Temple. On the right side of the gate are six Tibetan Bodhisattvas, and the Bodhisattva of the Divine Bodhisattva can appear in six lanes. After the death of the people, they can save all beings. Next to Japan's unique sink, you can wash your hands with a bamboo spoon, then rinse the water from the spoon handle and wash the spoon handle for the next use.

The ancient road of the Hidden Shrine is 2 kilometers long. In the shrine, there is no hierarchical status. Everyone treats all the same people. Whether it is a nobleman or a civilian, you must walk down here. The person wearing the hat needs to take off the hat when passing the torii. When walking, you need to walk on both sides of the road, because the middle is God walking. This road is very long, but the environment is also awesome. The towering trees stand on both sides of the road, making the whole road look solemn. There is a building in the way of one kilometer. It is called "Following the Gate of God". It is the door to the evil spirits entering the shrine courtyard. The thatched roof and the vermilion red color are a quiet and quiet place away from the world. There are some stones piled up by pedestrians along the way. It can be seen that these acts are full of faith. The trees became taller after passing the gate, and the leaves on both sides were reddish and full of autumn flavor. I like this color and I like the feeling here. Even with some pedestrians, I feel in a world that nobody disturbs.

I flew to Nagano, Japan just for a photo of hiking in the snow-covered forest. In winter, Togakushi in Nagano becomes a kingdom of giant trees, and walking among them makes you marvel at the insignificance of humans and the wonders of nature. . The essence of the hike is after Zuishinmon Gate. After passing through the gate, you can see two rows of towering cedar trees. The century-old cedar trees form a natural snow path, and the white path guides the way forward. . In the forest, apart from the sound of footsteps crunching in the snow, you can hardly hear any other noise. Everyone just wants to enjoy the hiking time in silence. Occasionally, a gust of wind blows the snow off the branches, creating a small avalanche in the forest. . 📍Togakushi Shrine, Nagano Prefecture 🚄Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano Station . 📝Travel Tips ▪️You need to wear crampons and waterproof jackets and pants for the entire hike ▪️There is a direct bus from Nagano Station to Togakushi Chusha Shrine, one bus per hour, you can buy a one-day pass ▪️It is more cost-effective to charter a car for 4-5 people, and you can set the departure time yourself. JPY 28,800 for 5 hours, overtime can be extended, JPY 4,300 for every half hour. The four of us chose to charter a car, and finally paid an overtime fee for one hour. The overall cost was controllable, and we saved time waiting for the bus in the snow ▪️If you want to play for a long time, take a taxi on the way there and take a bus on the way back ▪️There are fewer tourists before 9 am, so you can take photos of the forest without people

Visiting Chausuyama Zoo was a heartwarming experience, but the highlight of my trip was undoubtedly the adorable red panda. Nestled in the serene Nagano Prefecture, this charming zoo offers a peaceful escape where visitors can enjoy close encounters with various animals in a relaxed setting. As I walked through the lush pathways, I finally reached the red panda enclosure. My heart melted the moment I saw the fluffy little creature. Its round face, expressive eyes, and bushy tail made it irresistibly cute. Occasionally, it would pause to gaze at visitors with curiosity, making everyone around smile with delight. The zoo’s design allows visitors to observe the animals up close while ensuring a comfortable and natural habitat for them. The red panda’s gentle movements and adorable expressions captivated everyone nearby. It had a calm, charming presence that made it impossible to look away. Apart from the red panda, the zoo also houses a variety of animals, from playful capybaras to majestic birds. The friendly atmosphere, well-maintained surroundings, and engaging exhibits made the visit even more enjoyable. As I left Chausuyama Zoo, I couldn’t stop thinking about the adorable red panda. Its playful antics and sweet demeanor left a lasting impression, making my trip truly unforgettable. I knew this was a place I’d love to revisit someday. #ChausuyamaZoo #RedPandaLove #NaganoAdventures #WildlifeWonders #travelfreak