1. What are the most popular areas to stay in Nagano?
Some of the most popular areas to stay in Nagano include:1. Nagano City
2. Hakuba
3. Karuizawa
4. Matsumoto
5. Yudanaka/Shibu Onsen
6. Nozawa Onsen
7. Shiga Kogen
2. What is the best time of year to visit Nagano?
The best time to visit Nagano depends on your interests and activities, but generally the peak tourist season is from December to March when people come for skiing and winter sports. The cherry blossom season in April can also be a beautiful time to visit, as well as the autumn months of September and October when the leaves change color.
3. What are some top attractions and things to do in Nagano?
Some top attractions and things to do in Nagano include:
1. Visiting Snow Monkey Park in Yudanaka/Shibu Onsen to see wild Japanese macaques bathing in hot springs.
2. Exploring Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s last remaining original castles.
3. Skiing or snowboarding at top ski resorts like Hakuba or Nozawa Onsen.
4. Soaking in natural hot springs, known as onsens, throughout the prefecture.
5. Hiking or taking a scenic train ride through the Japanese Alps.
6. Sampling local food specialties such as soba noodles, apples, and sake.
7.Meditating at Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan’s most important Buddhist temples.
4.What is the best way to get around Nagano?
The best way to get around Nagano depends on where you want to go and what you want to do. For longer distances between cities or towns, taking a train (such as JR East) or bus is the most efficient option. Within cities or towns, walking or renting a bicycle are great ways to explore and get around. Taxis and rental cars are also available but can be more expensive.
5. Are there any special cultural or seasonal events in Nagano?
Some special cultural or seasonal events in Nagano include:
1. The annual Snow Monkey Beer Live festival, featuring live music, craft beer, and food.
2. The Omotesando Hill Walk Festival held each year in September, featuring traditional art performances and activities.
3. The Nagano Soba Festival in October, where you can taste different kinds of soba noodles from local restaurants.
4. The Snow Art In Matsukawa event in February, where artists carve sculptures out of snow.
5.The Winter National High School Skiing Tournament in February at Shiga Kogen ski resort.
2. Are there any luxury hotels or resorts in Nagano?
Yes, Nagano has several luxury hotels and resorts. Some examples include:– Hoshino Resorts KAI Alps: a modern and luxurious resort located in the Northern Japan Alps, featuring hot spring baths, fine dining options, and stunning mountain views.
– Hotel Metropolitan Nagano: a high-end hotel with elegant rooms, multiple restaurants, and a spa. Located near JR Nagano Station for easy access to nearby ski resorts.
– Ryokan Kanoe: a traditional ryokan (Japanese inn) featuring spacious suites with private open-air baths, a gourmet restaurant, and beautiful Japanese gardens.
– Hakuba Tokyu Hotel: a chic ski-in/ski-out resort in Hakuba village with modern rooms, on-site hot spring baths, and multiple dining options.
– Nozawa Grand Hotel: an upscale hot spring resort in Nozawa Onsen with traditional Japanese-style rooms, several hot spring baths, and delicious kaiseki meals.
3. What is the best time to visit Nagano?
The best time to visit Nagano depends on your interests and activities. If you want to enjoy winter sports such as skiing or snowboarding, then the peak season runs from December to February. For hiking and outdoor activities, the best time to visit is from May to October when the weather is mild.
For cultural experiences such as cherry blossom viewing and temple visits, late April to early May is recommended. Autumn (late September to November) also offers picturesque fall foliage views.
4. Are there any famous attractions in Nagano?
Yes, there are several famous attractions in Nagano that are worth visiting:
– Matsumoto Castle: also known as Crow Castle due to its unique black exterior. It was built over 400 years ago and is one of Japan’s most iconic castles.
– Zenkoji Temple: one of the most important Buddhist temples in Japan’s history, dating back over 1,400 years. It is also home to a famous statue of Buddha believed to grant wishes.
– Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park: a popular destination to see snow monkeys bathing in the hot springs, especially during the winter season.
– Kamikochi: a picturesque valley in the Northern Japan Alps known for its stunning scenery and hiking trails.
– Hakuba: a popular ski resort town in Nagano, offering various winter sports activities and breathtaking mountain views.
5. What are some traditional dishes from Nagano?
Some traditional dishes from Nagano include:
– Soba: thin buckwheat noodles that are a staple in Nagano cuisine due to the region’s climate being ideal for growing buckwheat.
– Oyaki: steamed dumplings filled with vegetables, mushrooms, or sweet azuki beans.
– Shinshu salmon (shinshunama): grilled salmon native to the Shinshu region, often served as nigiri sushi or sashimi.
– Hoba Miso: a specialty dish where miso paste and other ingredients are cooked on a large hoba leaf over an open flame grill.
– Kuri soba: soba noodles topped with chestnuts and served in a hot broth.
3. Are there any budget-friendly accommodation options in Nagano?
There are several budget-friendly accommodation options in Nagano, including hostels, guesthouses, and budget hotels. Some popular options include K’s House Hostel Nagano, J-Hoppers Nagano Guesthouse, and Hotel Sunroute Nagano-Higashiguchi. You can also find affordable Airbnb rentals or traditional Japanese-style inns (ryokans) that offer more affordable rates.
4. Can I find traditional Japanese ryokans in Nagano?
Yes, there are traditional Japanese ryokans in Nagano. Some well-known ones include Ryokan Biyunoyado and Ryotei Jyusouya. These ryokans offer traditional accommodations, meals and hot spring baths, allowing guests to experience the essence of Japanese hospitality and culture.
5. What is the average cost of a hotel room in Nagano?
As of July 2021, the average cost for a hotel room in Nagano ranges from $60 to $180 per night. This can vary depending on the location, amenities, and time of year. Prices may also be higher during peak travel seasons or for luxury accommodations.
6. Are there any unique or themed lodging options in Nagano?
1. Matsumoto Samurai House – A traditional samurai residence converted into a guesthouse with period décor.
2. Togakushi Shrine Accommodation – Traditional and modern lodging options located at the base of the Togakushi area, known for its famous shrine and ninja history.
3. Shibu Onsen Yudanaka Seifuso Ryokan – A ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) featuring unique rooms decorated with different themes such as Hello Kitty or dragons.
4. Hakuba Relax Resort – A ski resort hotel with themed rooms modeled after various countries, such as Thailand, Hawaii, and Italy.
5. Azumino Hotaka View Hotel – This hotel offers vacation cottages that are each uniquely styled after different areas in Europe, such as London, Venice, and Paris.
6. Nozawa Onsen Tomte Resiencehoj Hostel – A Scandinavian-themed hostel featuring cozy rooms with bunk beds and shared common spaces decorated with Nordic-style furnishings.
7. Zaborin Niseko Resort – A luxury ryokan in Niseko that blends Japanese design elements with a Scandinavian aesthetic, from the architecture to the interior design and cuisine.
8. Suginosawa Onsen Hutte – Five private cabins that overlook a beautiful river in Gunma Prefecture, each designed individually by different architects and featuring unique amenities such as open-air baths or fireplaces.
9. Jigokudani Onsen Korakukan Inn – Stay in rustic historic accommodations near the famous snow monkeys’ hot spring in Nagano’s Jigokudani Yaen-koen Monkey Park.
10. Minshuku Kaido Guesthouse Narrow Road – Located in a renovated century-old farmhouse with traditional tatami rooms, this guesthouse offers cultural experiences such as tea ceremonies and calligraphy classes for guests to immerse themselves in local customs.
7. Is it better to stay near the ski resorts or in the city center of Nagano?
It ultimately depends on personal preference. Staying near the ski resorts offers convenience for those who want to spend most of their time on the slopes, while staying in the city center allows for easier access to restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions. Both options offer varying types of accommodation and transportation options.
8. Are there Airbnb rentals available in Nagano?
Yes, there are Airbnb rentals available in Nagano. Some popular areas for Airbnb rentals in Nagano include Hakuba, Matsumoto, and Obuse. Prices and availability vary depending on the location and the type of rental. It is recommended to book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
9. What are the best hotels for families traveling with children in Nagano?
A few recommended hotels for families traveling with children in Nagano are:1. Hotel El Bosco – This family-friendly hotel in central Nagano has spacious rooms, a kids’ playroom, and an on-site restaurant that offers children’s menus.
2. Hotel Resort Inn Toyoko – Located in Hakuba, this hotel has family rooms and a ski school for children to learn and enjoy skiing.
3. Nozawa Grand Hotel – Situated in the scenic Nozawa Onsen area, this hotel provides a warm and comfortable atmosphere for families with young children.
4. Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel East – Families can enjoy their stay at this hotel with its ski-in/ski-out access, game room, and indoor pool.
5. Karuizawa Marriott Hotel – Located in the popular resort town of Karuizawa, this hotel offers spacious rooms, an indoor pool and kids’ activities such as arts and crafts workshops.
10. Is it necessary to book accommodation in advance during peak season in Nagano?
It is recommended to book accommodation in advance during peak season in Nagano, especially if you have a specific hotel or type of accommodation in mind. This will help ensure availability and potentially secure better rates as well.
11. Can I find accommodations with hot spring baths in Nagano?
Yes, there are several accommodations in Nagano that offer hot spring baths, also known as “onsen.” Some popular options include Kamikochi Onsen Hotel, Yamanoryoran Shiga Kogen and Nozaru Hostel. You can also find many ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) with hot springs in the region.
12. Are there any pet-friendly hotels or lodges in Nagano?
Yes, there are several pet-friendly hotels and lodges in Nagano. Some examples include:– Hakuba Hotel Hana-no-Sato: This hotel in the Hakuba Valley area allows pets to stay in certain rooms for an additional fee.
– Nojiri Lake Resort: Located near Lake Nojiri, this resort allows pets to stay for an additional fee.
– Art Shiotone: This pet-friendly lodge is located near Madarao Kogen Ski Resort and offers facilities such as dog runs and grooming services.
It is always best to check directly with the hotel or lodge beforehand to confirm their pet policy and any additional fees.
13. How far is Hakuba from popular tourist destinations like Matsumoto and Karuizawa?
Hakuba is approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Matsumoto, and about 77 kilometers (48 miles) from Karuizawa. It takes about 50 minutes to drive from Hakuba to Matsumoto, and around 1 hour and 30 minutes to drive to Karuizawa.
14. Are there any eco-friendly accommodation options available in Nagano?
Yes, there are several eco-friendly accommodation options available in Nagano. Some examples include:
1. Hotel Metropolitan Nagano: This hotel is located near Nagano Station and has received the Green Key certification for sustainable practices.
2. J-Hoppers Nagano Guesthouse: This guesthouse offers shared dormitory-style accommodations and focuses on environmentally friendly policies such as recycling and conserving energy.
3. Nagano Hotel: This hotel uses renewable energy sources and has a green roof to help with insulation and reduce carbon emissions.
4. Kamesei Ryokan: This traditional Japanese inn uses organic and locally sourced ingredients in its meals and promotes sustainable living practices among its guests.
5. Villa Koshinjo Nagano Ski Lodge: This lodge is powered by solar panels and promotes eco-friendly activities such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding in the surrounding area.
15. What is the best area to stay for those interested in outdoor activities like hiking and skiing?
The best area to stay for those interested in outdoor activities like hiking and skiing would be a mountainous or natural region with access to numerous trails and slopes. Some popular destinations known for their outdoor recreation opportunities include the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, the Adirondack Mountains in New York, and the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California. Other options could include staying near national parks or ski resorts that offer a variety of activities and amenities for outdoor enthusiasts.
16. Do hotels offer shuttle services to nearby ski resorts or attractions?
It depends on the specific hotel. Some hotels in ski resort areas may offer shuttle services to nearby ski resorts or attractions, while others may not. It is best to contact the hotel directly or check their website for information on shuttle services.
17. Is it possible to have a private onsen (hot spring) at my hotel or lodge?
Yes, some hotels and lodges in Japan may have private hot springs available for guests to use. It is best to inquire with your accommodation beforehand if they offer this service. Private onsens can be a great option for those who are not comfortable sharing a public bath with others. Keep in mind that there may be an additional fee for using the private onsen and it may need to be booked in advance.
18. Which hotel has the best views of the surrounding mountains and nature?
The Fairmont Banff Springs offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and nature.
19. Can I book a room with traditional Japanese-style tatami mats or futon beds?
Yes, you can book a room with traditional Japanese-style tatami mats or futon beds. Many ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) offer these types of rooms for a more authentic experience. Some hotels also have these options available. You can specify your preferences when making a reservation or contact the accommodation directly to inquire about their room options.20. What are some must-visit attractions near popular hotels and lodges in Nagano?
1. Jigokudani Monkey Park near Hotel Yudanaka
2. Tsugaike Nature Park near Hotel Taigakukan
3. Matsumoto Castle near Hotel Buena Vista Matsumoto
4. Zenkoji Temple near Dormy Inn Nagano
5. Kurobe Gorge Scenic Railway near Hakuba Highland Hotel
6. Onsen Town of Yamanouchi near Nozawa Grand Hotel
7. Togakushi Shrine near Lodge Nakajimaya
8. Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum near Hoshino Resorts Kai Alps
9. Shiga Kogen Ski Area near Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel East Wing
10. Myoko Kogen Ski Resort near Akakura Kanko Hotel