Nagano
Nagano Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located in the Chūbu region of the island of Honshū. The capital is the city of Nagano.
Nagano is most famous for Zenkō-ji, a 7th century Buddhist temple which overlooks the city. A million tourists visit Nagano annually, the gateway to a variety of sightseeing spots. Nagano was originally a small town in Kamiminochi District built around the hilltop temple, the largest wooden building in eastern Japan, but the city now encompasses locations that were within Sarashina, Hanishina, and Kamitakai districts as well.
The prefecture of Nagano is in a hilly area.
Matsumoto city is located in Nagano Prefecture and it takes only for a few hours from Shinjuku, Tokyo by JR Azusa or you can also take highway buses. There is one of the most beautiful historical Japanese castles Matsumoto Castle which is the national treasure in Japan and the town is known as castle city (or small Kyoto). It is completely surrounded by Japanese Alps and a good base for trips into Azumino, Kamikochi, Norikura or even Tateyama-kurobe or Hida-Takayama (Gifu prefecture), therefore, many tourists visit there on their way to these cities and you can easily find the accommodation in this area. You will enjoy one of the best Japanese countryside with natures and local delicious food such as Soba, Oyaki etc.
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About Matsumoto city
Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle, also known as the "Crow Castle" because of its black exterior, is one of Japan's premier historic castles. It is located in the city of Matsumoto, in Nagano Prefecture and is within easy reach of Tokyo by road or rail. Matsumoto Castle is a flatland castle (hirajiro) because it is not built on a hilltop or amid rivers, but on a plain. Its complete defences would have included an extensive system of inter-connecting walls, moats and gatehouses.
Mount Yarigatake Lodge
From Nagano Station
By Train [Approx. 53 minutes / 2,320yen]
Nagano Station → (JR Ltd. Exp. "(Wide View) Shinano" : 53 minutes / 2,320yen) → Matsumoto Station
By Expressway bus [Approx. 86 minutes / 1,100yen]
Nagano Station → (Expressway bus : 86 minutes / 1,100yen) → Matsumoto Bus Terminal
From Tokyo area (Shinjuku Station)
By Train [Approx. 170 minutes / 6,380yen]
Shinjuku Station → (JR Ltd. Exp. "Azusa" : 170 minutes / 6,380yen) → Matsumoto Station
By Expressway bus [Approx. 200 minutes / 3,500yen]
Shinjuku West Bus Terminal → (Expressway bus : 200 minutes / 3,500yen) → Matsumoto Bus Terminal
Karuizawa is located in the east of Nagano and one of the popular resort town in Japan to escape from the summer heat and it is loved by Japan’s imperial family and even international celebrities. It takes only 1 hour from Tokyo by Shinkansen. You can enjoy many outdoor activities, such as tennis, hiking, cycling, golfing in summer and skiing and ice skating in winter, and there are ample shopping opportunities. Thanks to this, there are various accommodations such as ryokan, pensions, hotels etc.
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Karuizawa official guide
Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza
Picchio - Karuizawa nature tour -
HIROSHI SENJU MUSEUM KARUIZAWA
From Nagano Station
By Shinkansen [Approx. 31 minutes / 3,160yen]
Nagano Station → (JR Shinkansen "Asama" : 31 minutes / 3,160yen) → Karuizawa Station
From Tokyo area (Tokyo Station)
By Shinkansen [Approx. 75 minutes / 5,390yen]
Tokyo Station → (JR Shinkansen "Asama" : 75 minutes / 5,390yen) → Karuizawa Station
Hakuba is located in Nagano prefecture and one of the most famous winter resort areas in Japan. It is well-known due to the host of the Nagano Winter Olympic in 1998.
Hakuba resorts are consist of 9 resorts, 135 lifts over 200 runs, which are from beginners to advanced players and offers unforgettable powder snow conditions. You can purchase valuable tickets which will be available at any of the participating resorts with discounts.
It is not only ski resort but also famous for hot Spring (Onsen) and there are various types of accommodations. It is perfect to enjoy winter sports as well as relaxing with soaking in an open-air bath (Rotenburo).
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HAKUBA VALLEY - Japan's Premier Alpine Resort
HAKUBA HAPPO-ONE WINTER RESORT
Hakuba Snow Sports School
Hakuba47 WINTER SPORTS PARK
From Nagano Station
By Expressway bus [Approx. 65 minutes / 1,800yen]
Nagano Station East exit → (Expressway bus : 65 minutes / 1,800yen) → Hakuba Station
From Matsumoto Station
By train [Approx. 100 minutes / 1,140yen]
Matsumoto Station → (JR Ōito Line : 56 minutes / (total fee)1,140yen) → Shinano-Ōmachi Station → (JR Ōito Line : 36 minutes) → Hakuba Station
From Tokyo area (Shinjuku Station)
By Train [Approx. 239 minutes / 7,780yen]
Shinjuku Station → (JR Ltd. Exp. "Azusa" : 239 minutes / 7,780yen) → Hakuba Station
By Expressway bus [Approx. 308 minutes / 4,850yen]
Shinjuku West Bus Terminal → (Expressway bus : 308 minutes / 4,850yen) → Hakuba-cho
Nozawa-Onsen is famous for ski resort and Onsen (hot spring), which located in north part of Nagano prefecture. Nozawa-Onsen ski resort is located in Mt. Kenasi, from top (1650m) to the foot, which provides perfect powdery snow. The Onsen village consists of 13 public hot springs managed by the local organization and they offer not only Onsen but also Asiyu where you can easily enjoy hot spring water just soaking your feet while your are sitting without taking off clothes.
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NOZAWA ONSEN Tourism Association
NOZAWA ONSEN SNOW RESORT
Togari-Nozawaonsen Station → (By taxi : about 20 minutes) → Nozawa Onsen
Iiyama Station → (Nozawa Onsen Liner (bus) : about 25 minutes / 600yen) → Nozawa Onsen