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Nagano Prefecture, located in central Japan, offers a wealth of opportunities to experience Japanese culture, including beautiful scenery throughout the seasons, abundant nature, historic townscapes, hot springs, and local cuisine. Nagano is a popular domestic travel destination for Japanese people, but in recent years, it has also seen a surge in interest from international tourists. This article will thoroughly introduce the best things to do in Nagano, including sightseeing tips, routes, and experiential activities, while taking into account the needs and perspectives of international travelers. Nagano's appeal extends beyond its plateaus and mountainous regions. Its diverse tourism resources include majestic views of the Alps, the castle and townscape of the ancient capital Matsumoto, the snow-covered history of Zenkoji Temple, and Jigokudani Monkey Park, famous for its snow monkeys, beloved by visitors from Nepal and Taiwan. After reading this article, you'll quickly understand how appealing and enjoyable a trip to Nagano is for inbound tourists.

Reasons for the increase in foreign tourists visiting Nagano Prefecture

A place where you can experience Japanese culture and nature at the same time

Nagano Prefecture is an extremely attractive tourist destination for foreign visitors. The biggest reason for this is the opportunity to experience both the rich natural environment and traditional Japanese culture at the same time. Nagano is packed with the "local" charm of Japan that you can't find in urban areas like Tokyo or Osaka. It has a reputation for being a place where you can truly experience the "real Japan," with activities like mountain climbing, hot springs, local cuisine, strolling through rural towns, and agricultural experiences.

A safe, friendly and environmentally friendly destination

Japan is a safe, clean country with a well-developed transportation network, making it a very comfortable travel destination for tourists. Nagano in particular has a relatively low risk of natural disasters, and there are an increasing number of tourist information centers and accommodations that can speak English, making it an ideal destination for first-time visitors to Japan.

Tips for traveling to Nagano to enjoy the four seasons

Spring: Cherry blossoms and Takato Castle Ruins Park

When you think of "Japan's beautiful spring," you think of cherry blossoms. Because Nagano is at a high altitude, there are places where the cherry blossoms bloom a little later than in the Kanto region. In particular, at Takato Castle Ruins Park, approximately 1,500 Kohigan cherry trees, known as the "best cherry blossoms in the world," bloom in profusion, attracting photographers and tourists from all over the world.

Summer: Karuizawa as a summer resort

Karuizawa has long been known as a summer resort for foreigners. It is cool even in the summer, and you can spend a relaxing time in a natural environment. There are also many international facilities, such as a Michelin-starred French restaurant and an organic market, making it a comfortable place for foreign tourists.

Autumn: Mountain foliage and fruit picking

Nagano in autumn is truly a "paradise of color." In places like Kamikochi and Shiga Kogen, the exquisite balance between the red and yellow trees and the clear streams captivates all visitors. There are also many farms where you can experience the fruits of the season, such as apple picking and chestnut gathering, allowing you to enjoy autumn with all five senses.

Winter: Snow Sports and Snow Monkey Experience

Nagano is dotted with world-class ski resorts in winter. Places like Hakuba, Shiga Kogen, and Nozawa Onsen offer world-class experiences for foreign tourists. Furthermore, the rare tourist spot of Jigokudani, where you can see snow monkeys (monkeys bathing in hot springs), is also very popular with foreigners.

Access: Choosing a foreigner-friendly route

Access from Narita and Haneda

The most common route is to take the Shinkansen or bus from Narita or Haneda to Nagano. If you take the Nagano Shinkansen (Hokuriku Shinkansen), you will arrive at Nagano Station in just about an hour and a half from Tokyo.

Access from Nagoya and Kansai

From Nagoya, take the Chuo Line Limited Express (Shinano) to Matsumoto. Regular express buses also run from the Kansai region, including Nagoya and Osaka, and many foreigners use them. English-language information is also being developed.

Recommended tourist areas and attractions

Zenkoji Temple: A temple with over 2,500 years of history

Zenkoji Temple, located in the center of Nagano City, is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan. Religious events such as the Gokaicho (opening of the temple grounds) are open to foreigners, and it is also a highly appealing cultural experience. The "Okaidan Meguri" tour behind the main hall is a mystical experience of walking in the dark, and is popular with many tourists.

Matsumoto Castle and Nakamachi Street

Matsumoto Castle, one of the remaining castle towers, is also known as the "Crow Castle" due to its black exterior. Nakamachi Street, which spreads out around the castle, is lined with cafes and souvenir shops renovated from old storehouses, making it a great place to stroll around town.

Kamikochi and the Hotaka mountain range

Kamikochi, with its vast expanse of nature at an altitude of 1,500m, is popular with tourists who come for mountain climbing and trekking. It is also equipped with guide pamphlets in foreign languages, and is highly rated by active visitors from overseas.

Hands-on activities are popular with foreigners

Farming experience and cooking class

In the countryside of Nagano, there has been an increase in hands-on tours, such as harvesting apples and leeks with local farmers or making Shinshu soba noodles. These activities, which allow visitors to interact with local people, are highly rated as "lifelong memories."

Hot Spring Culture Experience

For foreigners, hot springs are a uniquely Japanese cultural experience. Nagano is home to several hot spring resorts with different atmospheres, including Nozawa Onsen, Bessho Onsen, and Shibu Onsen. In recent years, the number of facilities that allow tattoos has been increasing, and there is a growing trend toward accepting diverse cultures.

Recommended accommodations (foreigner-friendly)

Diversity from inns to guesthouses

Staying in a Japanese-style room at a luxury inn is a special experience. On the other hand, guesthouses and hostel-style accommodations are also popular among foreign travelers who are concerned about language skills or who prefer to travel alone. Support from English-speaking staff is a great source of comfort.

Food Appeal: Local Cuisine Popular with Foreigners

Shinshu soba and mountain delicacies

When you think of Nagano, you think of soba noodles. They are very popular among vegetarians and vegans, especially among foreign tourists. Other dishes that are often tried include pickled nozawana, gohei mochi, and horse sashimi, which are considered "interesting Japanese flavors."

Local sake and craft beer

Nagano is home to many sake breweries and craft beer breweries. English-speaking guided tours of sake breweries are available, making it particularly appealing for travelers who want to learn more about the country's alcohol culture.

Seasonal events and festivals

Matsumoto Bonbon, Nagano Lantern Festival, etc.

Foreign tourists who want to experience Japanese festivals can enjoy interacting with local people and learning about local customs by participating in traditional events such as the Matsumoto Bonbon festival in summer and the Nagano Lantern Festival in winter.

Tourist information sources and useful apps

Multilingual tourist information centre and app

Many tourist information centers in Nagano Prefecture offer support in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, and Korean. There are also apps available for traveling around Japan, such as the "JAPAN Official Travel App" and "NAVITIME," which will make your trip to Japan smoother.

Inbound services that are useful for travel planning

Wi-Fi rental and mobile translation devices

Ensuring a good communication environment while in Japan is important. To support this, an increasing number of tourist spots in Nagano Prefecture are now offering portable Wi-Fi rentals and smartphone translation devices, increasing convenience for foreign tourists.

Ecotourism and sustainable tourism initiatives

A sustainable tourist destination that coexists with the local community

Nagano Prefecture is promoting environmentally friendly and sustainable tourism. In particular, the Kamikochi and Hakuba areas emphasize the balance between tourism and nature conservation, and an increasing number of foreign visitors are coming to appreciate the benefits of these areas.

summary

Nagano Prefecture is one of Japan's leading tourist destinations, blending stunning seasonal scenery with culture. Its appeal never fades, not only among Japanese visitors but also among travelers from around the world. Its abundant nature, beautiful townscapes, traditional culture, and delicious cuisine make it a place with endless appeal in every aspect. Furthermore, the expansion of facilities offering foreign language support and the proliferation of services for foreign travelers have made it increasingly accessible. For foreigners seeking a deeper understanding of Japan, Nagano offers a truly authentic Japanese experience. We hope this guide will be helpful in planning your next trip to Japan, especially to Nagano Prefecture. Experience all that Nagano has to offer and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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