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  • May 20, 2019

    Enjoy the Fruit of Nagano

    The elevation of Nagano and resulting temperature difference between day and night, bless the region with an ideal climate for growing fruit. As such, Nagano produces some of Japan’s best fruit; most ...
  • April 30, 2019

    Explore Obuse

    Once an important Edo Period (1603-1868) trading town, Obuse is a small historic town accessible using the Nagano Dentetsu (Nagaden) train line. Now known for its chestnut confectionaries, sake and mi...
  • March 25, 2019

    Hokusai-kan Museum

    Certainly Japan’s most famous artist, Katsushika Hokusai – more commonly referred to simply as Hokusai – spent some of his final years residing and painting in Obuse. Under the patronage of a wealt...
  • March 20, 2019

    Gansho-in Temple

    The Ganshoin Temple in Obuse is one with a long history. The most famous item of the temple is a painting made in 1848. Inside the temple you will find the last masterpiece of famous painter Hokusai ...
  • March 20, 2019

    Takai Kozan Memorial Museum

    Takai Kozan was one of the wealthiest farmer-merchants of Obuse. Highly cultured and intelligent, he studied Confucianism, Sinology and Western sciences. His house was frequented by all sorts of ...
  • December 4, 2014

    Cherry Blossom-Viewing in Matsukawa Valley

    'Hanami' or 'flower viewing' is perhaps the quintessential Japanese activity and one of the highlights of any visit in spring. Given it's higher elevation, the cherry blossoms of Nagano including M...
  • July 20, 2018

    The Waterfalls Of Matsukawa Valley

    Known for its natural beauty, the mountains and steep ravines of Matsukawa Valley are dissected by rivers and streams that lead to several famous waterfalls. Most notably, the Kaminaridaki, Shichi...
  • October 17, 2016

    Matsukawa Valley Hot Springs

    Matsukawa Valley is blessed with many 'onsen' (natural hot springs), known for their therapeutic properties set within the rural and alpine beauty of the region. Approximately 30 minutes by bus from S...
  • July 24, 2018

    Autumn Leaves of Matsukawa Valley

    Known as 'koyo' in Japanese, the autumn leaves of Nagano are an attraction to themselves and there is no better place to view them than the forests and mountains of Matsukawa Valley.As the ...