Nagano Prefecture

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The Recommended Spots to Visit on Old Karuizawa Ginza Street

The Old Karuizawa Ginza Street (軽井沢銀座通り) in the Karuizawa old town is the must-visit spot when you visit Karuizawa. The 750-meter-long street starts from the Kyū-Karuizawa Bus Stop (旧軽井沢バス停) to Nite Bridge (二手橋). Lined with long-established shops that preserve both traditional and trendy boutique stores, it is the center of Karuizawa for sightseeing. Even if

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SNOOPY Village Karuizawa: A Peanuts Fan’s Dream

Planning a day trip to Karuizawa from Tokyo? Add the charming SNOOPY Village in Karuizawa. This charming facility combines an exclusive gift shop with a delightful themed cafe, offering a perfect blend of retail therapy and relaxation inspired by Snoopy and the gang. Discover the cute desserts menu and merchandise before your visit!

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Discover Norikura Kōgen Ichinose Meadow: Hiking & Nature

The Ichinose Meadow (乗鞍高原一の瀬園地) in Norikura Kogen is an unspoiled gem in the Japanese Alps. Located in Nagano and surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, it is one of the best spots for easy, accessible hiking and cycling and connecting with nature. From seasonal wildflowers to peaceful ponds reflecting the peaks, this meadow is the perfect

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How to Get to Shirakawago from Tokyo

How to Get to Shirakawago: Best Bus & Train Travel Guide

Shirakawago, the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its gassho-zukuri (thatched-roof) farmhouses, is a must-see destination in Japan. While the village feels remote, getting there is easier than you think! This guide breaks down the most efficient transport options, whether you are traveling via Shinkansen, express bus from hubs like Takayama and Kanazawa, or

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The Best of Kamikōchi: Hiking, Scenery, and Logistics

Discover the pristine wilderness of the Japanese Alps with our comprehensive guide to Kamikōchi (上高地), Japan’s premier mountain highland destination. Located within the Chūbu-Sangaku National Park in Nagano Prefecture, this breathtaking glacial valley is world-renowned for its crystal-clear Azusa River, the iconic Kappa Bridge, and soaring 3,000-meter peaks like Mt. Hotaka. Whether you are a

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How to Get to Kamikōchi: Best Way to Access the Japan Alps

Kamikochi, the crown jewel of the Japan Alps in Nagano Prefecture, offers some of Japan’s most spectacular mountain scenery. If you’re planning your trip to this famous alpine resort, figuring out the best way to get to Kamikochi is the first step. Since private cars are restricted year-round, you must rely on public transport. This

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Storyhouse Cafe & Bar Matsumoto Nagano Japan

The Recommended Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Matsumoto

Given that the city is home to the magnificent Matsumoto Castle and is located close to Takayama, Matsumoto receives more international tourists than the rest of Nagano Prefecture. To accommodate different dietary requirements, vegan/vegetarian-friendly restaurants are not uncommon in the city. We have compiled a list for you to review and pick for your visit!

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Togakushi Chu-sha Shrine Nagano Japan

The Complete Guide to Togakushi Shrine Chūsha

Among the five shrines of Togakushi, the area around Togakushi Shrine Chusha (戸隠 中社) is the most lively. Along the Togakushi hiking trail, numerous restaurants and ryokans are situated near Togakushi Shrine Chusha. Togakushi Tourist Information Center (戸隠観光情報センター) is also situated near the Chusha shrine. If you plan to hike in Togakushi, we highly recommend

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Togakushi Hoko-sha Shrine Nagano Japan

The Complete Guide to Togakushi Hōkōsha Shrine

Coming from the center of Nagano City, the first sub-shrine of the Togakushi Shrine you will encounter is the Hōkō-sha (戸隠神社 宝光社). Although the precinct of Hokosha is smaller than Togakushi Chusha Shrine, there are plenty of things to see at Togakushi Hokosha. Moreover, it might be the venue of the yearly Togakushi Soba Festival

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Trekking to the Mysterious Myōjin Area in Kamikōchi

Your visit to Kamikōchi shouldn’t stop at Kappa Bridge. Trekking further for another hour upstream of the Azusa River from Kappa Bridge, you will reach the Myōjin Area. Here is the ground of God. Not sure if it is because this is where God lives, as the atmosphere around the area is distinctly different from

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