SEARCH RESULTS: 2024
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 […]
Nozawa Onsen ‘Dosojin’ (Fire Festival)
Held on January 15th each year, the ‘Nozawa onsen Dosojin’ (野沢温泉道祖神火祭り) is one of Japan’s great fire festivals, attracting thousands of visitors to one of the country’s most popular ski resorts to witness in the midst of the snow season. The festival includes preparatory events on both January 13th and 14th with the main action taking place on the night of the 15th, when the town and audience parade through the village to the main festival area where a wooden shrine is set to be attacked with fire by the young men of Nozawa while simultaneously defended by older ones. — Where is Nozawa Onsen? — What Happens During the […]
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 […]
Democrato Artists, Anime, and Western-style Paintings: Diversity at Nagano Prefectural Art Museum’s remaining 2023 Exhibition Schedule.
Following the conclusion of their Hokusai Exhibition, Nagano Prefectural Art Museum once again invites you to the remainder of their 2023 season with three incredibly diverse Special Exhibitions: “Moments to Fly Up: Ikeda Masuo and the Democrato Artists,” is a tribute to the multitalented artist Ikeda Masuo, a Nagano-related progressive that left an indelible mark on the art world. This exhibition, running from September 9th to November 5th, revisits the era of Japanese printmaking that flourished from the 1950s to around 1966, featuring Ikeda’s works and those of artists who influenced him. Following this engaging exploration, we delve into the world of animation and creativity with “HIDEAKI ANNO EXHIBITION,” set […]
Buying Real Estate in Japan: A Complete Guide
Japan’s property market offers buyers plenty of choice when it comes to residential and holiday properties with a premium on those in and around the country’s best ski resorts – and the first step of the process of finding that ideal property for you is understanding how the market works in Japan and what’s required to complete a purchase. On this page you will find the following information: — Real Estate in Japan: An Introduction — Property Listings — 10 Steps to Purchasing Real Estate in Japan — Timeline of Payments — Taxes & Other Costs — Financing & Loans for Foreigners — Ski Properties in Japan: The Best Resorts […]
