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Nagano

Host of the 1998 Winter Olympics — a great temple, snow monkeys in a hot spring, and the Japan Alps.

GEOGRAPHY—CITIESJPNAGANO

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ABOUT

The city grew up around Zenko-ji, a 7th-century temple that holds what is said to be the first Buddhist statue brought to Japan and draws pilgrims of every sect. Nagano Prefecture is Japan's roof: the Northern Alps, the ski slopes of Hakuba and Nozawa, and Jigokudani, where wild macaques bathe in a steaming pool. Matsumoto and its black keep are an hour south.

WHERE TO STAY

Compare hotels, ryokan and guesthouses in Nagano (長野) on Booking.com — free cancellation on most stays.

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THINGS TO DO

Guided tours, day trips and experiences in Nagano, booked through GetYourGuide (free cancellation up to 24h before on most).

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CITY DATA

PopulationPOPULATION

Approx. 370,000 (capital of Nagano Prefecture)

AreaAREA

834.81 km²

ClimateCLIMATE

Inland highland climate — large day-night swings, cold snowy winters, low humidity, annual rainfall: approx. 900mm

TransportTRANSPORT

SHINKANSENHokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo ~80 min to Nagano Station

LOCALBus/train to Jigokudani snow monkeys (~1 hr) and to Hakuba; limited express to Matsumoto (~50 min)

SightsSIGHTS

Zenko-ji Temple, Jigokudani Monkey Park, Matsumoto Castle (day trip), Togakushi Shrine, Obuse chestnut town

Local FoodLOCAL FOOD

Shinshu soba made from local buckwheat, oyaki (griddled vegetable-stuffed buns), and basashi (horse sashimi).

GETTING TO NAGANO

From Tokyo~1 h 20–1 h 40 m · ≈ ¥8,300

Hokuriku Shinkansen

From Kanazawa~1 h · ≈ ¥9,000

Hokuriku Shinkansen

Fares are one-way estimates. If you are hopping between several cities by shinkansen, a Japan Rail Pass can come out cheaper than paying per trip — check whether the maths works for your route.

Nagano

ABOUT

CITY DATA

GETTING TO NAGANO

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