SEARCH RESULTS: 2024
Oharaimachi
Leading to the Inner Shrine of the Ise Grand Shrine, Oharaimachi is an 800 meter stretch of traditional buildings, souvenir shops, and restaurants. This pleasant area has been serving pilgrims and visitors to the shrines for a very long time and many traditions remain to this day. Approximately halfway along Oharaimachi’s main street, Okage-yokocho is features reconstructed Edo and Meiji Period buildings. The area is known for its “Ise udon” noodles and “akafuku”—a traditional sweet made from ‘mochi’ and red bean paste. Most stores open early, from 05:00 onward, and close around 18:00 although times vary throughout the seasons—closing earlier in winter and later in summer. Want to experience Nagoya’s […]
Magome-juku
Magome-juku is a historic post town—known as “juku” or “shukubamachi”—that once serviced the 500km “Nakasendo Road” that connected Kyoto and Edo (now called Tokyo). As one of five official highways between Kyoto and Edo, the road was busy with government officials, merchants and pilgrims, typically traveling on foot. As a result, post towns developed along the road to service the needs of travelers. Magome sits along a steep road, lined with guesthouses, restaurants and cafes, museum, and traditional craft stores, and is often considered one of the most charming towns along the Nakasendo Trail. Today, the town center has been restored to its former glory, including a broad stone walkway, […]
Hida no Sato (Hida Folk Village)
Hida no Sato, an enchanting open-air museum in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, is a portal to Japan’s rural past. This meticulously preserved village showcases over thirty traditional buildings, including four nationally designated Important Cultural Properties. Unlike Shirakawa-go, which is famous for its exclusively gassho-zukuri houses, Hida no Sato features a variety of structures such as former village head’s houses, logging huts, and storehouses, each reflecting the unique architectural and cultural heritage of the Hida region. These buildings tell stories from the Edo Period (1603-1868), offering a comprehensive view of traditional life in the Japanese Alps. A Living Museum of Rural Life Explore the authentic atmosphere of a historic mountain village. Wander […]
ENZA CAFE
Enza Café is the perfect place to refresh yourself en route to the Snow Monkey Park. The cafe is surrounded by the beautiful forests of Northern Nagano and provides the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the variety of Japan’s four seasons. With indoor seating, terrace seating, and a to-go window for orders on the fly, Enza Cafe is ready to help you make the best of your trip to the Monkey Park. The food selection is wide, with popular items including ramen, pizza, apple pies, and more! Open every day of the week from 09:30 – 17:00 April through November, and 08:30 – 18:00 December through March, — Where is […]
HOTARUTEI
Located only a few minutes walk from both the Snow Monkey Park Bus Stop and the entry of the Snow Monkey Park Trail, Hotarutei is a lunch and dinner restaurant located in a faithfully renovated 170 year old Japanese mansion. The 2-story traditional building has been refurbished and renovated in such a way as to keep the original structure with its massive beams and pillars intact. Modern amenities such as heated floors, atmospheric lighting, and comfortable tables and chairs have also been added. Hotarutei has private chambers for those looking for exclusivity as well as a spacious room with various tables overlooking the garden. Hotarutei offers a variety of different […]
The Northern Alps Art Festival
The Northern Alps International Art Festival is the largest international art festival in Nagano Prefecture, held once every three years in Omachi City. Artists from Japan and abroad gather in Omachi City, at the foot of the Northern Alps, to create site-specific contemporary art, featuring some of the most prominent Japanese artists of today. The first Northern Alps International Art Festival was held in 2017, and the second in 2021, as part of an effort to bring out the town’s potential charm by utilizing the creativity of art and culture and linking it with local resources, and to promote unique urban development through collaboration among citizens of Omachi. The festival […]
Ebisu-ko Fireworks Festival
Japanese fireworks festivals are grand in scale and duration with some lasting for up to two hours! Held in late-November each year, the Nagano Ebisu-ko Fireworks Festival (長野えびす講花火大会) is huge in its scale and unusual in that it is one of few large fireworks displays held in autumn (as most take place during the summer). First held in the late 19th century, nowadays more than 15,000 individual fireworks light up the night sky over two hours in an amazing display of color, light, and sound. — The History of the Ebisu-Ko Fireworks Festival — Information for Attending the Festival — Join a Guided Tour! As one of the only large fireworks […]
Takayama Festival: A Spectacle of Tradition and Elegance
The Takayama Festival, known locally as Takayama Matsuri, is one of Japan’s most celebrated and picturesque festivals, held twice a year in the historic city of Takayama. Divided into the Sanno Festival in spring and the Hachiman Festival in autumn, this vibrant event showcases the region’s rich cultural heritage and artistic craftsmanship. Set against the backdrop of Takayama’s well-preserved Edo-period architecture, the festival features elaborate yatai (floats), captivating mechanical puppet performances, and enchanting night illuminations, providing an immersive journey into Japan’s past. Visitors are not just spectators but participants in a centuries-old celebration that honors the changing seasons and local deities, making it an unforgettable experience that connects deeply with […]
1-Day Ski Tour Package from Nagano Station
Home to more than eighty ski resorts such as Nozawa Onsen, Shiga Kogen, Hakuba, as well as featuring some of the country’s best powder and terrain – we consider Nagano to be Japan’s best ski and snowboard destination. We combine all of the essentials of a full day of skiing into one easy-to-book package – so you’ve got everything you need to make the most of the mountains. From transport to and from the ski resort, rental equipment, lift passes, and even optional lessons, this package is perfect for beginners who wish to try skiing for the first time or advanced skiers who want to challenge Japan’s slopes themselves without the […]