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Home to some of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan, Togakushi has been a place of pilgrimage for hundreds of years. Five shrines make-up the Togakushi complex of which the Okusha (Upper S...

Lying within the boundary of Nagano City and accessible using local buses from Nagano Station, Togakushi is an ideal area to enjoy snowshoe-walking during winter. The region is best-known for its...

Togakushi is a beautiful alpine area located within easy reach of Nagano City. Most famous for its Shinto shrines that are dotted through the forest, Togakushi also boasts an array of outdoor att...

Meditation is one the primary Buddhist practices and one which brings great peace and joy to both practicing Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. ‘Zazen’ or ‘Seated Meditation’ focuses practitioners on...

Buddhists believe that we must subjugate and ultimately rid ourselves of worldly desires in order to see the true nature of existence.  In order to guide and support us in that goal, qualified m...

The teachings of the Buddha have been passed down to us in the form of written ‘sutras’ or religious scripture. By tracing the sutras in a form of calligraphy called ‘shakyo’, Japanese believe the wo...

Less than a two-minute walk from Nagano’s famous Zenko-ji Temple complex, Patio Daimon is a quaint precinct of historic buildings, restaurants and shops. Conveniently located on the city’s main thoro...

Located nearby Zenko-ji Temple – in the city’s historic and quaint Patio Daimon complex – ‘Shunka’ is one of Nagano’s most indulgent and enjoyable restaurants – a true fine dining experience that wil...

Sakura is one of Hotel Kokusai 21's restaurants, and is located on the 16th floor. The chef will be on the other side of the teppanyaki table, making the food you've ordered right in front of your ...