Over the past week, the temperature has certainly begun to drop here in Nagano. The days remain pleasant and warm but the heat and humidity of summer have gone, and nights are starting to feel crisp with a hint of cold in the air.
Autumn will soon take hold and in Nagano and Central Japan that means one thing – the stunning autumn leaves are just around the corner. Known as ‘koyo’ in Japanese, the changing colours of the autumn leaves are truly stunning.
Our ‘Autumn Leaves in Nagano’ page introduces the beauty of this time of year, the importance of ‘momojigari’ (hunting for autumn leaves), and just where to find the best spots in Nagano.
The higher altitude of Nagano and Central Japan means that the leaves start earlier than the lower-lying cities of Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka with koyo season usually timed for early-October to mid-November across the region.
Destinations including the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route, Kamikochi along with Shiga Kogen and Kita-Shiga Kogen will turn even earlier (due to their higher elevations).
So time to get planning! We’re heading into one of the most beautiful times of year and with the ‘Go To Travel’ campaign now in full-swing, it really is a great time to visit Nagano and Central Japan
‘Go To Travel’ Campaign
As our recent blog outlined, foreign residents and Japanese citizens are currently eligible for big savings under the national ‘Go To Travel’ campaign – discounts of 35% 50% off you travel costs!
For full details regarding what’s involved and what’s on offer, see our ‘#SNOWMONKEYRESORTSLOCAL: What is Japan’s ‘Go To Travel’ Campaign?’ blog article or head straight to our ‘What is’ Japan’s ‘Go To Travel’ Campaign?’ page.
For complete overview of current deals available to foreign residents, please refer to our ‘Travel Japan: Offers & Deals’ page.
We hope this page is helpful in understanding what you’re entitled to and helping your explore and discover more in Nagano and Central Japan.
Many shinkansen fares including the Hokuriku Shinkansen running from Tokyo to Nagano (and onto Kanazawa) are also heavily discounted – up to 50% of the regular price! Another reason to get planning and book your trip to Nagano.
This information is provided as part of our ‘Clean Green & Healthy’ campaign, allowing you to plan and book your future travel to Japan with peace of mind.
Blessed with some of Japan’s most pristine and beautiful natural landscapes, Central Japan is the perfect place to escape the congestion of the city and the worries of daily life, and get back to your true nature.
Snow Monkey Resorts: Nagano’s No.1 tour and charter operator
When planning and booking your trip to Central Japan, it’s important that you can do so with confidence that your intended destinations will be both enjoyable and safe.
As Nagano’s No.1-rated tour and charter operator, we offer a range of services including group tours, private tours and private charters to help you get the most out of your time in the region.
We can arrange transport to and from any destination in the region, with a customised itinerary to suit your travel needs. Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from any destination including to the best spots to see the stunning autumn leaves.
Vehicles are fitted with a protective screen – separating the driver from passenger and luggage area – and our drivers wear protective masks, allowing you to move between your destinations in comfort and safety.
We can arrange both private tours with an English-speaking guide or a private charter, including a private vehicle and driver but without a guide. We’d love to be part of that experience and help you discover even more!
Why choose us?
Awarded a 2019 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for our 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tour – recognised as one of the Top 10 Experiences in Japan – we have the local knowledge and experience to help you get the most out of your time in Nagano.
Got a question about visiting Nagano and Central Japan this autumn? Feel free to contact us and let’s get planning together!
