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1. Snow Monkey Park
Located near the base of the Joshinestu Kogen National Park, the Jigokudani Yaen Koen (otherwise known as the Snow Monkey Park) is home to a very special troop of monkeys. Created in 1964, the park was established as a conservation area in which the monkeys - ...
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2. Yudanaka & Shibu Onsen
Located near the base of Shiga Kogen, both Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen are famous of their abundance of 'onsens' (natural hot springs). Discovered more than one thousand years ago, the water is said to hold powerful healing properties and specif medicinal benefit...
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3. Shiga Kogen
Part of the expansive Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, Shiga Kogen is a mountainous region of stunning beauty and ecological importance. In winter, the mountains are inundated by heavy snowfall – more than 12 meters per year – turning the landscape powder white...
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4. Obuse & Suzaka
Obuse is a small Edo Period (1603-1868) town steeped in history and tradition. Located in the heart of the countryside of Nagano Prefecture, Obuse is populated by quaint shops, gardens, temples, local delicacies and sake, and home to the Hokusai Museum. Katsus...
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5. Nagano City
Easily accessible from Tokyo and other destinations on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line, Nagano City is the largest metropolitan area in Nagano Prefecture. With its origins in the 6th and 7th centuries, Nagano's history is entwined with that of its most famous cul...
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6. Nozawa Onsen
The hot springs of Nozawa Onsen were discovered in the 8th century and since that time have been known for their healing properties. Like the Japanese for centuries before them, international visitors now head to Nozawa to soak their bodies (and souls) in the ...
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7. Hakuba
Hakuba is internationally known as one of the host venues of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games; selected as such due to its world-class terrain, courses, and the abundance of powder snow that covers the mountains each winter. Comprising 11 individual snow resorts ...
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8. Alpine Route & Toyama
Open to the public from mid-April to late-November, the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route is one of Japan’s most iconic landscapes and memorable experiences. Accessible via the Toyama-side or Nagano-side of the mountain range, a series of transports carries visitor...
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9. Matsumoto
Lying the shadow of the North Japan Alps, Matsumoto is a small but historic city most famous for its more than 400-year old original castle. As one of the few remaining original castles in Japan, it is a registered National Treasure and heart of the city.
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10. Karuizawa & Kusatsu Onsen
Once a 'post town' on the historic Nakasendo – an important route that connect Tokyo and Kyoto during the Edo Period – Karuizawa is a popular mountain resort town located around 1000 metres above sea level. Blessed with a cool climate in summer and snow in win...
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11. Kiso Valley
During Japan's Edo Period (1603 to 1868) the Nakasendo Way ran between Kyoto and then capital Edo (known known as Tokyo). The road acted as one of the main highways between Japan's two most important urban centers and allowed traders and travelers to make the...
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12. Takayama
Located deep within the mountains of central Japan, Takayama is famous for the excellent preservation and charm of its Edo period historical center - the 'Sannomachi'. The distinctive black facades of buildings that line the narrow streets are full of fascina...
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13. Iiyama & Madarao
A region of extreme heavy snowfall, Iiyama is home to Togari Onsen, Madarao Kogen and Hokuryu Onsen Family Ski Resorts, all famous for their amazing snow quality. Yearly events include the Iiyama Snow Festival and the Kamakura (traditional Japanese version of ...
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14. Myoko Kogen
Sitting at the southern tip of Niigata Prefecture, Myoko is known for its deep snow and fantastic ski resorts. Less developed than the nearby resorts of Hakuba or Nozawa Onsen, Myoko retains a distinctly Japanese character. Boasting a huge amount of snowfall e...
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15. Kanazawa
Located on Japan’s north coast, Kanazawa has established itself as a favourite destination for international visitors as they move through Central Japan. This relatively small city is home to some beautiful historic districts, great museums and some of Japan’s...
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16. Nagoya & Kii Peninsula
Nagoya is one of Japan’s great metropolises and one of the country’s financial and industrial hubs. A modern and youthful city, Nagoya also has a rich history and great food scene, making it an ideal stop as you move from east to west, west to east, or into th...
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17. Mount Fuji & Hakone
Instantly recognisable to both Japanese and international visitors, Mount Fuji is Japan’s most iconic natural landscape. Standing 3776 metres tall, it is the country’s tallest mountain and an active volcano – a constant, majestic presence in the historical and...
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18. Yuzawa & Niigata
Bordering Nagano and of similar character, Niigata is a large prefecture known for its mountains and heavy snow. Serviced by the Joetsu Shinkansen running from Tokyo to Niigata City, the hot spring and ski resort town of Yuzawa is a popular destination for man...
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19. Tokyo
One of the world’s great cities, Tokyo must be experienced to be believed. Truly massive, Tokyo lays claim to being the most populous city in the world and in every sense is the center of modern Japan. Once called 'Edo', Tokyo has acted as the capital since th...