Chūbu Region

Yamanashi, Nagano, Gifu, Shizuoka, Aichi

Jigokudani-Snow-Monkey-Park-Nagano-Japan

Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park and the Hot Spring Monkeys

The Snow Monkey Park, or Jigokudani Yaen Kōen (地獄谷野猿公苑), formally in Japanese, is the world’s only wild monkey onsen resort. The park, nestled in the snowy mountains of Nagano Prefecture, Japan, was established in 1964. It offers an unforgettable glimpse into the unique lives of the Japanese hot spring monkeys. This world-famous attraction is the […]

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The Ultimate Guide to Getting to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

Ready to see the famous Japanese monkeys in hot springs? While the stunning scenery of the Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park is world-famous, its remote mountain location in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, can make the journey feel complicated. This guide will break down exactly how to get to the Snow Monkey Park from major hubs like Tokyo

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Rokumon: The Sightseeing Train Connecting Karuizawa & Nagano

You might already be aware that to the Japanese, trains are sometimes more than just vehicles that carry you from A to B. Unlike most countries in the world, Japan’s Sightseeing Trains don’t just run between the tourist attractions in the rural areas. They operate on normal train tracks between cities and prefectures, and compared

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Hida Furukawa and the Famous Anime Movie, Your Name

Hida Furukawa (飛騨古川), a quaint, unassuming town, has become a lot more lively since Makoto Shinkai’s movie – Your Name (君の名は) hit the theater. The town serves as the inspiration behind many iconic scenes from the film! It can be accessed just two stations away from Hida Takayama City, a popular tourist destination in its

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Kobayashi Soba Matsumoto Vegan-Friendly Restaurant Nagano Japan

Kobayashi Soba: The Best Soba Noodle Restaurant in Matsumoto

Soba noodles are one of the must-try dishes in Japan. But because most restaurants use sauce and broth made from bonito, vegans and vegetarians usually can’t enjoy the noodles when going into a random soba restaurant. So, if you are wondering where to eat in Matsumoto, ensure you stop by Kobayashi Soba (信州松本こばやし本店). It is

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The Best Guide to Kappa Bridge and the Nearby Facilities

Kappa Bridge (河童橋) is the landmark of Kamikochi. The most important facilities in the area are located close to the bridge, including the Kamikochi Bus Terminal and visitor centers. This part of Kamikochi is almost like a transport hub that allows tourists to gain the necessary information to explore the area and rejuvenate. The suspension

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Takayama Guide: Old Town Charm & Japanese Alp Adventures

Tucked away in the snow-capped peaks of the Gifu Prefecture, Takayama (Hida-Takayama, 飛騨高山) offers a rare glimpse into a Japan seemingly frozen in time. While Tokyo and Osaka race toward the future, this beautifully preserved merchant town invites travelers to slow down among the wooden machiya houses of the Sanmachi Suji district and the morning

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Ganso Shinshū Gyōza Tsukumo Yokochō Vegan-Friendly Restaurant in Nagano Japan

The Recommended Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Nagano City

While Nagano City is the capital of Nagano Prefecture, it surprisingly doesn’t have many vegan-friendly spots. So, if you plan to spend a few nights here, check out the restaurants we mention in this article. In addition, stay close to Nagano Station so you don’t need to travel far from your accommodation to the restaurant.

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The Best Guide to the Usui Pass Observation Platform

Karuizawa‘s natural spots aren’t just about waterfalls and lakes. Driving up the Usui Pass, there is a park close to the summit at 1,200m. The Usui Pass Observation Platform (碓氷峠見晴台) in the park is one of our favorite places to visit in Karuizawa. The observation platform offers a spectacular panoramic view of the ragged mountain

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