Nagano

Nagano sits in central Japan at the foot of the Japanese Alps. You can join morning prayers at the 1,400-year-old Zenkoji Temple, ski down Olympic slopes, watch snow monkeys bathe in steaming hot springs, or train like a ninja in the Togakushi forest. The city's 80 ski resorts and ancient Buddhist landmarks make it a major destination for both winter sports and cultural experiences.

Getting to Nagano

The Hokuriku Shinkansen connects Tokyo to Nagano in 80 minutes. From Osaka and Kyoto, take a train to Nagoya first, then change to the Wide View Shinano express service. Local buses run from Nagano Station to most major attractions in the surrounding area.

Inside Zenkoji Temple

The main hall of Zenkoji Temple stretches 52 meters long and rises 29 meters high, making it the largest wooden temple structure in eastern Japan. The temple holds Japan's first Buddhist statue, brought here in the 7th century. You can join morning prayer sessions starting at 5:30 AM, practice zazen meditation, or find your way through the completely dark underground passage beneath the main hall to search for the "key to paradise."

Skiing and Olympic Sites

You'll find 80 ski resorts in the mountains near Nagano. The Hakuba Valley includes 10 resorts with 137 runs and gets an average of 11 meters of snow each year. You can ice skate at the M-Wave arena, a 1998 Winter Olympics venue. Plan your ski trip between late November and mid-April, with the best snow conditions in January and February.

Snow Monkeys and Hot Springs

At Jigokudani Monkey Park, Japanese macaques soak in natural hot springs when the temperature drops. Walk 30 minutes through a pine forest to reach the main viewing area. The monkeys stay focused on soaking and grooming each other, paying little attention to visitors. Visit in the morning for the best chance to see them bathing. The park stays open every day throughout the year.

Local Food Specialties

Try Shinshu soba noodles made from Nagano's mountain-grown buckwheat. In Togakushi, you can taste these noodles at 30 different restaurants - either cold with wasabi and spring onions, or hot in soup with mountain vegetables. At Masuichi-Ichimura sake brewery, you can see traditional cedar brewing barrels and sample different sake varieties made with local snow melt water.

Exploring Togakushi

Walk the stone paths connecting three Shinto shrines in Togakushi's cedar forests. The Togakure Ninja Museum displays 12th-century weapons and tools, including throwing stars and smoke bombs. Try your hand at throwing shuriken at targets or navigate through a ninja house filled with revolving walls, trap doors, and hidden passages.