Most famous for its 400-year old castle, Matsumoto is a small but lively city with a rich history and burgeoning arts and dining scene. Located in Nagano Prefecture, the city lies in a valley bel...
OPEN CATEGORY
-
June 23, 2021
Visit Matsumoto: Everything You Need to Know
Most famous for its 400-year old castle, Matsumoto is a small but lively city with a rich history and burgeoning arts and dining scene. Located in Nagano Prefecture, the city lies in a valley bel... -
April 8, 2021
Yuzawa & Niigata Ski Resorts
Bordering Nagano Prefecture to the north, Niigata is home to around fifty ski resorts known for their deep powder. Located closer to the coast than the resorts of Nagano, Niigata typically re... -
March 9, 2021
40 Things To Do In Kyoto, Nara & Osaka
Marking the border of western and central Japan, the cities of Kyoto, Nara and Osaka are all firmly established as popular destinations for international visitors. The proximity of the three citi... -
March 5, 2021
10 Best Places To See Autumn Leaves In Kyoto
Japan's former capital and most historic city attracts visitors from all over the world. Home to many of the country's most important temples and shrines, Kyoto is blessed with some truly beautif... -
March 2, 2021
Where to Stay in Kyoto & Nara?
Lying within close proximity of each other, Kyoto and Nara both served as the seats of power for the majority of Japan's history. While the name and imagery of Kyoto will be immediately familiar ... -
March 1, 2021
Where to Stay in Osaka & Kansai International Airport?
As Japan’s third largest city it’s something of an understatement to say that Osaka is big. Huge would be a better description – huge, exciting and confusing. Much like visiting Tokyo, getting th... -
November 4, 2020
Where To Stay In Tokyo?
To say that Tokyo is a big city is something of an understatement and does not do the huge and sprawling city justice. Tokyo is massive and for first-time visitors or even if you’ve been before, ... -
October 21, 2020
Myoko Kogen Ski Resorts
Sitting at the southern end of Niigata Prefecture, Myoko Kogen is not actually within Nagano however given its closer proximity to many Nagano ski resorts – rather than the other resorts of Niiga... -
October 20, 2020
Madarao Mountain Resort
Lying across the valley from the more famous Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort, Madarao somewhat lies in the shadow of its better known and larger neighbour. But for those that make it there, Madarao offe... -
October 20, 2020
Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort
Located around 50km to the north-east of Nagano City, Nozawa Onsen is one of the most popular resorts in Central Japan. Boasting a long history as a hot spring town and place of healing, the heav... -
October 10, 2020
Shiga Kogen Ski Resort
Located around 45km from central Nagano City, Shiga Kogen is Japan’s largest and highest ski resort, boasting an unmatched expanse of interconnected terrain and Nagano’s longest ski season. Compr... -
October 8, 2020
Shiga Kogen: 15 Things To Do In Winter & Where To Stay
Boasting Japan's highest chairlifts at 2307 metres and over 600ha of terrain, Shiga Kogen Ski Resort is the highest and largest resort in the country. Shiga's reliable snow fall and the powdery q... -
October 8, 2020
15 Things to Do Around Yuzawa & Where To Stay
A convenient stop on the Joetsu Shinkansen Line running from Tokyo to Niigata, Yuzawa is one of Japan's most famous hot spring towns and the heart of a region fondly referred to as ‘yukiguni’ or ... -
October 6, 2020
Visit Nagano: Everything You Need To Know
Lying in the centre of Honshu, Japan’s largest island, Nagano is the country’s fourth largest prefecture. Completely landlocked, Nagano is known for its mountains, natural landscapes, liveability... -
October 6, 2020
30 Things To Do Near Tokyo: Best Day-Trips & Overnight Getaways
As one of the world’s great and most influential cities, Tokyo offers visitors an endless choice of things to do – from the cultured and refined to the weird and obscure. Spoiled for choice, ... -
October 5, 2020
Joshinetsu Kogen National Park
Stretching across Nagano, Niigata and Gunma, Joshinetsu Kogen National Park - 上信越高原国立公園 – is the fourth largest national park in Japan. Formed by intense volcanic activity and lava flows over mil... -
October 4, 2020
40 Things To Do Around Nagano & Where To Stay
Lying in the centre of Honshu, Japan’s largest island, Nagano is the country’s fourth largest prefecture. Completely landlocked, Nagano is known for its mountains, natural landscapes, liveability... -
September 30, 2020
15 Things To Do In Togakushi & Where To Stay
Nestled in the mountains to the north-west of Nagano City - and within the actual boundary of the city - Togakushi is famous for its seasonal beauty, spiritual significance and mixed natural/cult... -
September 30, 2020
40 Best Museums & Galleries In & Around Tokyo
One of the world’s true great cities and a driving force in global culture, it is no surprise that Tokyo is home to some fantastic museums and galleries. Any attempt to list them, especially a li... -
September 30, 2020
Hakuba Valley Ski Resorts
Hakuba Valley is one of Japan’s best-known and most popular winter destinations. Multiple resorts make-up the area collectively referred to as ‘Hakuba Valley’, spread-out over a wide region w... -
August 30, 2020
15 Things To Do In Matsushiro & Where To Stay
Located 11-12KM to the south of central Nagano City, Matsushiro is a small town known for its samurai heritage and former stronghold of the Sanada clan. Originally from Ueda, the Sanada clan relo... -
August 15, 2020
How to Get to Yuzawa
Yuzawa is a popular hot spring town located in Niigata. Best-known as a winter destination due to the surrounding ski resorts, Yuzawa is easy to access using the Joetsu Shinkansen running from To... -
August 12, 2020
25 Best Places To See Cherry Blossoms In & Around Tokyo
Known as ‘sakura’ in Japanese, cherry blossoms are synonymous with Japan and for many Japanese embody the fragile beauty of life itself. The enjoyment of the blossoms is enhanced by an unders... -
August 10, 2020
15 Best Places To See Autumn Leaves In & Around Tokyo
Visitors heading to Tokyo in October and November are in for a treat as the city's parks and gardens turn-on a spectacular show with some of the best autumn leaves. On this page you will find the... -
August 1, 2020
20 Best Places To See Autumn Leaves In & Around Nagano
Nagano and the surrounding areas making-up Central Japan boasts most of the country's tallest mountains. Heavily forested and largely undeveloped, Nagano is blessed with some of Japan's best autu... -
July 21, 2020
30 Things To Do Around Mount Fuji & Where To Stay
Standing 3776 metres in height, Fuji is Japan’s tallest and most iconic mountain. Lying around 2.5 hours from central Tokyo, Fuji attracts countless visitors each year. Many come to be simply cat... -
July 1, 2020
10 Things To Do In Hakone & Where to Stay
Located within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, the area broadly referred to as Hakone is known for its hot springs, traditional guesthouses, museums, autumn colours and outstanding views of Mo... -
July 1, 2020
25 Things To Do Around Karuizawa & Where To Stay
Only 70-minutes from Tokyo using the Hokuriku Shinkansen, Karuizawa is one of Japan's oldest and most famous mountain resort towns. Sitting around 1000 metres above sea level, Karuizawa enjoys a ... -
June 27, 2020
25 Things To Do Around The Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route & Where To Stay
Open from mid-April until mid-November, the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route is one of Japan’s most iconic destinations. Known as the ‘Roof of Japan’, the dramatic alpine landscape is inaccessible th... -
June 25, 2020
Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park
Declared a national park in 2015, Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park – 妙高戸隠国立公園 – is a relatively compact region within easy reach of Nagano City. Although small, the park is densely-packed... -
June 25, 2020
25 Things To Around Toyama & Where To Stay
The port city of Toyama somewhat lives in the shadow of nearby Kanazawa and is often over-looked, used as a transit point enroute to the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route and other regional highlights... -
June 20, 2020
25 Things To Do Around The Kiso Valley / Nakasendo & Where To Stay
Most famous for the historic Nakasendo and its beautifully preserved ‘shukubamachi’ towns, the Kiso Valley is blessed with some of Central Japan’s most beautiful natural landscapes and cultural s... -
June 20, 2020
25 Things To Do Around Nagoya & Where To Stay
Nagoya is one of Japan’s great metropolises, 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 idea... -
June 12, 2020
25 Things To Do Around Kusatsu Onsen & Where To Stay
One of Japan’s most famous hot spring towns, Kusatsu Onsen sits high in the Joshintesu Kogen National Park. Located at an altitude of around 1200 metres, the town is fed a copious amount of volca... -
June 10, 2020
How To Get To Nagoya
Nagoya is the largest city in Central Japan. Serviced by the Tokaido Shinkansen line running from Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka, multiple rapid train services to other destinations and Chubu Centrair ... -
June 9, 2020
How To Get To The Kii Peninsula
The Kii Peninsula covers an expansive area between Nagoya in the east and Osaka in the west. Within that area, visitors will find three of Japan’s most important religious destinations including ... -
June 6, 2020
Where To Stay Around Mount Fuji?
One of the most popular destinations in the country, Mount Fuji attracts visitors from all over the world who come to climb the mountain or simply enjoy views of the great volcano from surroundin... -
June 1, 2020
Where To Stay In The Kiso Valley & Nakasendo?
Most famous for the historic Nakasendo and its beautifully preserved ‘shukubamachi’ towns, the Kiso Valley is blessed with some of Central Japan’s most beautiful natural landscapes and cultural s... -
June 1, 2020
25 Things To Do Around Kanazawa & Where To Stay
As the terminus of the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line from Tokyo and Thunderbird rapid services from Osaka and Kyoto, Kanazawa is readily accessible from Japan’s major urban centres and as such, a popu... -
June 1, 2020
25 Things To Do Around Myoko Kogen & Where To Stay
Sitting at the southern end of Niigata Prefecture, the area known as ‘Myoko Kogen’ experiences extremely heavy snowfall each winter, making it one of Japan’s best destinations when looking for po... -
May 22, 2020
25 Things To Do Around Madarao & Where To Stay
Located one hour to the north of Nagano City, Madarao is a small resort but one with a big reputation. Boasting an average annual snowfall of 13 metres, Madarao is known for its big powder bowls ... -
May 20, 2020
10 Things To Do In Fukui & Where To Stay
Fukui is one of those prefectures in the Japan which flies under the radar for both Japanese and international travelers. Tucked away in the north-west corner of Central Japan, Fukui is easy to m... -
May 9, 2020
How To Get To Madarao – Nagano Ski Resorts Info
The resort of Madarao lies to the northeast of Nagano City, approximately 40KM (1-hour drive) and within easy reach to the northwest of Tokyo, approximately 275KM (3.5-hour drive) or around 2 hou... -
May 4, 2020
How to Best Enjoy The Nakasendo Trail
In Kiso Valley, there are two sections of the Nakasendo Trail that offer rewarding hikes where you can explore the history, cultural, and nature of the area: the Magome—Tsumago Trail and the Yabuhar... -
April 10, 2020
Snow Monkey Park Information
Nagano’s Jigokudani Monkey Park is home to a particularly curious troop of Japanese macaques who have achieve worldwide fame due to a unique, captivating behaviour – they are the only troop of mo... -
April 8, 2020
The Snow Monkey FAQs
Located around 50-minutes from central Nagano City, the Jigokudani Monkey Park is open all-year-round and plays host to one very special troop of monkeys. The following page answers common questi... -
April 7, 2020
25 Things To Do Around The Jigokudani Monkey Park & Where To Stay
Within easy reach of Nagano Station, the monkey park is one of the region's most popular destinations. Open everyday of the year, it can be enjoyed as a day-trip from Nagano City in combination w... -
April 5, 2020
Snow Monkeys & Their Hot Spring: Why They Love It
The monkeys of the Jigokudani Monkey Park are famous for one big reason - they are the only troop of monkeys in the world known to bathe in hot springs. Why they do this is interesting and worth ... -
February 13, 2020
25 Things To Do Around Nozawa Onsen & Where To Stay
Nozawa Onsen is a historic hot spring town that in recent years has established itself as one of Japan's most popular ski resorts. Operating from December into the April, Nozawa Onsen Snow Re... -
January 21, 2020
Shiga Kogen Ski Resort Central Area
Comprising approximately 35 ski runs serviced by 30 chairlifts and 2 gondolas, Shiga Kogen’s Central Area is by itself bigger than most Japanese resorts and your gateway to the entire resort. Wit... -
January 21, 2020
25 Things To Do Around Takayama & Where To Stay
Located deep within the mountains of Central Japan, Takayama is famous for the excellent preservation its Edo Period (1603-1868) historical center, known as the ‘Sannomachi’. Once under the direc... -
January 21, 2020
Where To Stay In & Around Shiga Kogen?
As Japan's largest ski resort, Shiga Kogen is comprised of multiple ski areas with accommodation spread across a wide area. There are approximately 100 hotels or other accommodation options s... -
January 21, 2020
Kita-Shiga Kogen Ski Resorts
Located around an hour from Nagano Station, Kita-Shiga Kogen is one of the nearest and most accessible ski areas from Nagano City. Almost unknown to international visitors and most certainly ... -
January 18, 2020
15 Things To Do In Shirakawa-go & Where To Stay
The villages making-up Shirakawa-go and Gokyama rank among some of the most popular destinations in Central Japan, which despite their relatively remote locations, are easy to get to from nearby ... -
January 8, 2020
25 Things To Do Around Hakuba & Where To Stay
Around 1 hour from central Nagano City and approximately 280km to the northwest of Tokyo, Hakuba is one of Japan’s premier winter destinations. Collectively known as ‘Hakuba Valley’, ten ski reso... -
January 1, 2020
How to Get to Yudanaka & Shibu Onsen
Located with the wider region of Yamanouchi, the historic hot spring towns of Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen are convenient points from where to explore many nearby attractions, while also demandin... -
September 18, 2019
15 Things To Do Around Obuse & Where To Stay
Only 25 to 30-minutes by train from Nagano Station, Obuse is a small but historic town that offers an enjoyable morning or afternoon outing in combination with nearby destinations including the J... -
September 10, 2019
How To Get To Obuse
Located between Nagano City and the Yamanouchi area - home of the Jigokudani Monkey Park - Obuse is a small but historic town famous for its chestnut confectioneries, 'miso' and 'sake' breweries,... -
July 10, 2019
25 Things To Do Around Matsumoto & Where To Stay
Located in the shadow the North Japan Alps, Matsumoto is a small historic city best-known for its castle. As a registered National Treasure, Matsumoto Castle is without doubt the beacon that draw... -
April 1, 2019
15 Things To Do In Kamikochi & Where To Stay
Part of the larger Chubu Sangaku National Park, Kamikochi is a beautiful alpine valley nestled within Japan's highest mountain range. Open to the public from April to November, it is without ques... -
March 18, 2019
Dinner at Japanese Dining GOEN with Free shuttle service from Shiga Kogen & Kanbayashi Onsen
*Please note - we are sorry to inform that Japanese Dining GOEN will not be operating their shuttle service in winter 2020/21. We hope that it will again be available in winter 2021/22*.The res... -
January 14, 2019
20 Things To Do In Azumino & Where To Stay
Located within three hours of Tokyo, Azumino offers visitors a chance to experience the tradition and remarkable beauty of rural Japan with numerous cultural highlights - both old and n... -
January 6, 2019
How to Get to Hakuba – Nagano Ski Resorts Info
Located approximately 40KM (<1 hour drive) to the west of Nagano City and 275KM (<4 hours drive) to the northwest of Tokyo, the resorts of Hakuba Valley are some of the most popular in Naga... -
January 6, 2019
How to Get to Nozawa Onsen – Nagano Ski Resorts Info
The resort of Nozawa Onsen is approximately 50KM (<1 hour drive) to the northeast of Nagano City and within easy reach of Tokyo - 260KM (<4 hours drive) – or around 2 hours using the Hokuri... -
January 6, 2019
How to Get to Myoko Kogen – Nagano Ski Resorts Info
Located approximately 30KM (<1 hour drive) directly north of Nagano City and 285KM (3.5 hours drive) to the northwest of Tokyo, the resorts making-up Myoko Kogen are known for their deep p... -
January 1, 2019
Where To Stay In Nozawa Onsen?
One of the most popular ski resorts in Japan, Nozawa Onsen boasts some excellent terrain, great snow conditions and lively action off the mountain. The resort is serviced by Nozawa Onsen village,... -
January 1, 2019
Where To Stay In Hakuba?
Host of multiple events during the 1998 Winter Olympic Games, Hakuba has a global reputation for big snow, great terrain and lots of fun off the slopes. Popular with both Japanese and interna... -
April 30, 2017
History Of The Jigokudani Monkey Park
First established in 1964, the Jigokudani Monkey Park and its famous residents have become globally famous and now attract visitors from all over the world. The troop of macaques that comes into ... -
April 22, 2017
Snow Monkey Hierarchy: The Top Monkeys
The famous Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani are in fact Japanese macaques. This is a highly intelligent species of monkey which lives in large troops of over 100 individuals and is what are considered ... -
May 5, 2016
When Does It Start To Snow In The Jigokudani Monkey Park?
The monkeys of the Jigokudani Monkey Park are here all throughout the year however given that they are most commonly referred to as 'snow monkeys', many visitors understandably want to see them i... -
April 11, 2016
Information About The Walk To The Snow Monkey Park
Planning a trip to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park? Visiting Nagano's famous monkeys is a unique and unforgettable experience. On this page you will find the following information:-- How t... -
April 7, 2016
Snow Monkeys: Monkey Love, Babies & Childcare
Affectionately known as 'snow monkeys', Nagano's most famous furry residents are in fact Japanese macaques. Called 'nihonzaru' in Japanese, macaques are highly intelligent and social primates whi... -
April 7, 2016
Snow Monkeys: Favourite Food & Daily Diet
Japanese macaques are great foragers for food. Highly territorial, monkey troops typically roam within a radius of several kilometres, moving each day to find new food and a new place to sleep. M... -
April 7, 2016
Snow Monkeys: Behaviour You’ll See At The Park
The monkeys of Jigokudani are most famous for their unique behaviour of soaking in hot springs. But it is just one of several interesting behaviours to observe while in the park:SOAKING IN ... -
April 7, 2016
Snow Monkeys: Physical Characteristics
With an estimated 150 to 160 monkeys in the troop, there is a dominant alpha at the top and descending hierarchy monkeys below him. Younger monkeys inherent the status of their parents and from t... -
April 7, 2016
Snow Monkeys: Social Life & Status
Japanese macaques live in a hierarchic troop in which they inherit their status from their parents at time of birth, and from that time, will spend their lives asserting themselves in an effort t... -
March 23, 2016
Snow Monkey Park Throughout The Year
Most famous for their love of hot springs and antics in winter, the monkeys do in fact come to the park all year round! Each season offers its own reasons to visit. Winter is by far the most popu... -
March 20, 2016
Where To Stay Around The Jigokudani Monkey Park
The monkey park is located in the small hot spring village of Kanbayashi Onsen, putting multiple guesthouses within easy walking distance. There are some great options in the village while ne... -
December 6, 2015
Some Advice For Going To The Jigokudani Monkey Park
The Jigokudani Monkey Park is an all year round destination and one of Nagano's most popular attractions. At it's busiest in winter, conditions are likely be cold with snow and ice affecting the ...
