Best winter things to do in Nagano, Japan
Imagine stepping into a magical realm where the world sparkles with a blanket of fresh, powdery snow. Welcome to Nagano! A place where every winter moment is sprinkled with joy, adventure, and the breathtaking beauty of Japan’s majestic Alps.
Nagano Prefecture is home to some of Japan’s highest mountains, so it comes as no surprise that this region is home to some of Japan's most famous ski resorts like Hakuba and Nozawa Onsen. Fun fact: the Winter Olympics were held here in 1998!
However, if skiing and snowboarding are not your thing, or you want to see more of what winter in Japan has to offer beyond the luscious, pillowy-soft snow, there are plenty of options to include unique cultural experiences, some of which are even better in the cold!
Matsumoto and Ueda are the second and third largest cities in the region, and with such a diverse range of things to see, do, and taste, you will forget you originally came here to ski. We pick out the best winter activities Nagano has to offer!
1. Visit the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
Visit the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park for the ultimate dose of cuteness
Some of Japan’s most curious residents call Nagano home, with more than 200 snow monkeys (real name: the Japanese macaque) living in the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Nagano is just two hours from Tokyo on the bullet train, making it an easy day trip from Tokyo if you’re short on time.
At Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, you can watch these unusual creatures bathe and frolic, unfazed by the freezing cold. In spring, the adult monkeys show off their new babies, so if you’re visiting Nagano towards the end of the ski season, you may even catch a glimpse of some new arrivals!
The snow monkeys are used to human visitors admiring their playful ways, and tourists are rarely disappointed by the large number of monkeys going about their daily lives in and around the hot springs.
With the Nagano Snow Monkey Park and Zenko-ji Temple Tour, one day is all you need to check out these exquisite animals and visit Zenko-ji Temple—one of the oldest, largest, and most important Buddhist temples in all of Japan.
Zenko-ji Temple is particularly important to Nagano as the city was built for the temple, not the other way around. It is the home of the first-ever Buddhist statue brought into Japan, which arrived in the 6th century. While the original statue is hidden, the public can view a replica for a few weeks every six years. The last time it was presented was in 2021, so the next public viewing would be in 2027.
Near the temple is an opportunity to take part in a sake tasting, a must-do if seeking to experience authentic Japan.
2. Hit the slopes at Hakuba ski resort
Located in the heart of the Japanese Alps, Hakuba Ski Resort is a world-class ski resort that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It is best known for its abundant snowfall, receiving an average of 11m of snowfall each year, which means you'll get to enjoy plenty of powder snow during your stay. This makes it a perfect spot to learn snowboarding with a private instructor.
Getting to Hakuba from Tokyo is easy by direct shuttle bus. There are several departures from Tokyo Station, Narita Airport, and Haneda Airport daily. It'll connect you directly to major Hakuba ski resorts including Hakuba Goryu Snow Resort, Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park, and Hakuba Happo-One Snow Resort. The bus ride takes approximately 6 hours.
3. Sado Gold Leaf Painting on Dish and Sado Gold Mine Adventure
An adventure underground in search of shiny things
Just over two hours by train from Nagano, adventure awaits in the port city of Niigata with a visit to the now-inactive Sado Gold Mine. From the 17th to 19th century, the Sado Gold Mine now features two separate tours showing life in the mines at their peak.
If you weren’t already attracted to shiny things, you soon would be as you make your way through the tunnels and learn about the machinery and techniques used to source this valuable metal. There is no doubt you will now want a golden souvenir to take home to remember your trip, so why not try your hand at a gold leaf painting class?
Here you can customise a plate with gold leaf to commemorate your time in this historic city. A great indoor activity when you need a break from the winter chill.
4. Lotte Arai Resort Zip Tour in Niigata
The most adrenaline-pumping way to take in the scenery
Not for the faint of heart, this 1,500-metre zipline is the longest in Asia and sends you soaring over the Lotte Arai Resort and its wondrous ski course. Situated 160 meters above the ground and traveling a distance of 240 meters, on your three-minute journey from the top, you will have an unfettered view of the Takada plains and the Hokushin’Etsu mountains. It’s one of the best things to do in Japan in winter, as it’s hard to forget the stunning views and the adrenaline rush!
5. Make your way to Matsushiro
When you’re not racing down the slopes or need a change of pace, take a trip just 12km out of Nagano to Matsushiro. Here you’ll find the Matsushiro Castle, ancient samurai houses and temples built in the mid-1500s.
Other points of interest include the Matsushiro Underground Imperial Headquarters, an underground bunker and tunnels built into the side of a mountain during World War II, and Sanada Clan's Treasure Museum, which features an extensive collection of rare artifacts relating to one of Japan’s most prominent historical families. During the winter months, grab the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus from Nagoya. It’s an easy (and warm!) way to get around the nearby cities.
6. Game to try horse meat sashimi?
Believe it or not, horse meat sashimi is a specialty of the Nagano Prefecture and is widely credited for the locals' longevity. Often referred to as sakura niku (cherry blossom meat), it is quite pink in colour and features a deep, gamey taste. It is also low in fat and high in protein, and best served on ice (for preservation) with soy sauce, wasabi or garlic. One place to sample this local specialty is at a restaurant called Shin Miyoshi in Matsumoto, which has been serving horse meat sashimi for over 100 years.
7. Go exploring on a snowshoe hike
Discover the enchanting village of Nozawa Onsen, a winter gem nestled in the heart of Nagano. Embark on a delightful snowshoe tour where a guide will lead you through serene, snow-covered paths, all while revealing stunning landscapes for you to soak in the timeless beauty of its natural surroundings.
An unforgettable and insta-worthy experience
Been on the slopes all day but still haven't had enough snow time? Head to Lake Aoki for a night snowshoe hiking experience, which you can only do during winter in Japan. Lake Aoki is the largest of the three Nishina Lakes and is known for its crystal clear waters, stunning mountainous surrounds, and fireflies! Breathe in the crisp, fresh air and soak in the magical winter wonderland around you. Make sure to bring your camera to capture the beauty of Lake Aoki!
8. Experience Matsumoto City
Matsumoto is Nagano Prefecture’s second-largest city and allows visitors to slow down and take in the sights. Matsumoto is most famous for being the gateway to the Japanese Alps and for its historical sites, such as Matsumoto Castle, the Matsumoto Museum of Art, and the quirky, frog-themed shops of Nawate Street.
Matsumoto’s Hop-On Hop-Off Bus services all the areas you need to visit and departs from Matsumoto Station every 30 minutes. A Matsumoto Town Sneaker Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Pass will also provide you with many discounts at various destinations along the journey, so be sure to pre-purchase one before you visit.
9. Go sledding with dogs!
Feel the winter breeze as a pack of dogs pull your sled!
Spending winter in Japan is definitely an experience of a lifetime, especially when you have dogs pulling your sled! At Minakami Kogen Ski Resort, friendly dogs will pull you around the winter landscape. You will learn about dog mushing (a sport or transport method powered by dogs) during the ride. Before you get on the sled, you will be guided on how you can control the sled as well as ensure safety during the sledding experience.
10. Recharge in an onsen
Soak in an onsen after a long day of skiing.
After spending your holiday skiing and exploring winter in Japan, you really can’t go past a relaxing few days in an onsen town to rest your tired muscles before the flight home. With the many volcanoes in Japan, there are many onsens, or hot springs, available to warm you up.
Onsens are known to be beneficial due to the water's low acidity and ability to promote blood circulation. The Nagano Prefecture contains a wealth of hot springs, with some of the freshest water in Japan flowing down from the highest peaks.
Try out the Shirahone Onsen’s milky white onsens
Shirahone Onsen is a small but well-known town, famous for its milky white onsens that are flourishing with calcium and magnesium sediments. Or you could pamper yourself at Nagano's Private SPA & SAUNA U Hot Spring, where you can easily spend half a day soaking in your very own open-air bath!
11. Slurp on some soba noodles
Slurp your way to deliciousness with some Japanese soba
If noodles are more to your taste, you may be interested to know that the soba noodle is said to have been invented here in the Nagano Prefecture. Thanks to Nagano’s abundance of fresh water and volcanic ash soil, the perfect recipe for buckwheat cultivation. Thus, noodles from the area are said to be superior in quality.
If you want to enjoy the best Shinshu soba in Nagano, head to Kaya restaurant. This restaurant is one of the oldest in the town (250 years old, that is!) and has a unique taste. Order the Shinshu soba with dashi, grated daikon, and green onion — it’s delicious and it’s the perfect winter meal to warm you up!
12. Visit a wasabi farm
Game to try wasabi-flavoured soft serve? Photo credits to @fraiseetchantilly on Instagram
Love it, hate it, or simply can’t handle it, wasabi is quintessentially Japanese and a visit to a wasabi farm to see exactly how it gets from the ground and into those tiny little packets at your favorite sushi joint is a must-do.
Just a 30-minute train ride from Matsumoto, Daio Wasabi Farm in Azumino is the best place to experience the full life span of wasabi—from root to paste—and there is even a chance for you to learn how to pickle your own.
This quaint farm is picturesque and has food vendors who sell wasabi-flavoured ice cream, beer and sausages will be sure to satisfy the tastes of even the biggest wasabi fan.
13. Learn all about Miso
Witness 150 years of miso!
Still hungry? Head back to Matsumoto and visit the Ishii Miso Factory, where rows upon rows of cedar barrels will greet you inside. See firsthand the intricate fermentation process of Japanese miso and learn the secret behind its great taste that has stood for over 150 years.
Witness how soybeans, koji, and salt are mixed and fermented in cedar barrels, and compare freshly-made and aged miso. And just as you start to crave the stuff, enjoy a hearty meal that showcases the factory’s creamy miso. But be sure to leave room for dessert so you can try their miso soft serve!
14. Make your own music box
Crafting that brings music to your ears!
Crafting that brings music to your ears! Credits: KlookLooking for something to tinker with? Make your own music box at Nidek Music Box Museum Suwanone! Learn how to craft and design this delightful instrument from a professional artisan and choose from over 670 songs to fill it with music. This delicate process takes 40 to 50 minutes, but once done, you will have a one-of-a-kind music box that you can keep or gift to a loved one this winter.
But it doesn’t stop there! Check out their concert hall on the second floor and be serenaded by an antique music box that is more than a hundred years old! Let the soothing music provide a healing experience to your winter travel to Japan.
Enjoy the Japanese winter in Nagano!
An experienced skier or not, it is safe to say that there is something for everyone in the mountainous Nagano Prefecture in winter. Whether you are an adventure lover, nature lover, or simply want to kick back and relax, this unique part of the world is immersed in tradition and will leave you feeling entertained and energized.
If you’re traveling from Tokyo to Nagano or Niigata, your best bet is to book a JR Pass for East Nagano/Niigata — you’ll be able to zip about the region on trains easily!
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