The crisp air and untouched snow set the scene in Nagano, where the towering Japanese Alps invite exploration beyond skiing. Just two hours from Tokyo by bullet train, this region, famous for hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics, is home to hidden treasures steeped in history and natural beauty. A forest path lined with ancient frost-covered cedar trees leads to Togakushi Shrine, a sacred site over a thousand years old. According to legend, the area’s name means “hidden door,” linked to the tale of the sun goddess Amaterasu. Five shrines scattered across the mountains honor Shinto deities, with Okusha, the uppermost shrine, known for granting fortune and victory.
After the climb, a warm bowl of Togakushi soba provides the perfect reward. This local specialty, made from buckwheat, is served with tempura crafted from mountain vegetables. Beyond its tranquil shrines, Nagano offers a livelier spectacle—wild snow monkeys basking in natural hot springs. At Jigokudani Monkey Park, Japanese macaques have adapted to the cold by soaking in steaming onsen waters, a tradition born from their curious mimicry of human bathers. Nearby, the historic onsen towns of Shibu and Yudanaka welcome visitors to traditional ryokan inns, where tatami rooms and therapeutic baths offer relaxation.
Nagano City itself is a gateway to even more wonders. Zenkoji Temple, founded in the 7th century, holds what is believed to be the first Buddha statue brought to Japan. Every six years, a replica is displayed, with the next unveiling set for 2027. A short journey from the city leads to Obuse, once a retreat for the famed artist Hokusai. His final years were spent here, producing masterpieces that are now displayed in the Hokusai Museum and on the ceiling of Ganshoin Temple.
Further afield, Matsumoto Castle stands as Japan’s oldest surviving fortress, designed with ingenious defenses from the Warring States period. Just minutes away, Ishii Miso continues a 150-year-old tradition of crafting deep, umami-rich miso using heat-free fermentation. Visitors can tour the facility, enjoy miso-infused dishes, and take home handcrafted miso, a flavorful reminder of Nagano’s enduring heritage.
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