What do you think about when you hear the word ‘Winter in Nagano’ ?
Of course, you’d probably think about skiing, snow, skiing, snow and, oh! 1998 Nagano Winter olympics!
That’s exactly why we’re here to tell you that there’s more than that to Nagano in the Winter.
We can’t deny the fact that people visit Nagano mainly for skiing and snowboarding, but don’t you want to enjoy Nagano to the fullest? Take a stop along the way to your ski resort of the day and get in touch with what this area has to offer!
Here’s a list of places you can visit for your Apres Ski or a Family day off the runs
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Zenkoji temple
credit: go-nagano.net
Explore the magnificent Zenkoji temple, one of the most famous temples in Japan
There’s a hidden statue here called “Hibutsu” or known as a hidden Buddha, and is shown to the public every six years. The Hibutsu statue was supposed to be shown in 2021 but due to the pandemic, the showing has been moved to 2022. When could be a better time to go out and explore Nagano than now?Getting there from the hotel: https://goo.gl/maps/QKxqsC6gV7MqnMxx8
Hours: Sunrise – 16:30
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 500 yen (inner chamber, underground passage, and history museum) -
Snow monkey park
The famous snow monkey park of Jigokudani Yaen Kōen
Is less than an hour drive from Madarao and is a must-do day trip for everyone visiting Nagano. The only way to the park is to take an enchanted 25 minute walk through the woods that leads you to where the Japanese masque or known as the snow monkeys gather and bathe in a man-made hot spring. The park is open all year round but the snow monkey is most popular and photogenic during the winter.
Getting there from the hotel: https://goo.gl/maps/uiBPc2CYErf13rnr7
Hours: 8:30 to 17:00 (April to October)
9:00 to 16:00 (November to March)
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 800 yen -
Shrines of Togakushi
credit: go-nagano.net
Take a magical 40 minute walk in the fresh fallen snow along giant 400 year old cedar trees to the Zushinmon Gate entrance to the Okusha’s, Stop by some attractions and enjoy the spirit of Japan such as, Ninja museum, Kids ninja village, Soba museum, and if the weather is right, Kamiike or known as the mirror pond, the water reflect Mt.Togakushi like a mirror. A recommended day trip if you love quiet and peaceful nature.
Getting there from the hotel: https://goo.gl/maps/6L2whWsr6MrE7F5C6
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00
Closed: No closing days
Admission: Free -
Iiyama Snow Festival
credit: iiyama-ouendan.net
Iiyama is part of “Japan’s snow country” meaning the deep snow area, the area is covered with snow for one third of the year. The whole place turns white and completely buried under heavy snowfall, but you know there’s a saying ‘when life gives you snow, make a snowman’ On the second weekend of February, Iiyama is home to iconic snow sculptures and a display of Kamakura snow igloos. Book a seat at an igloo and enjoy a hot nabe (hot pot), which is soul food to Japanese in winter. During the day there are activities such as mochi making, snowmobile rides and of an evening the colorful Fireworks light up the sky.
Getting there from the hotel: https://goo.gl/maps/8YEU39eUKp1J5wTDA
Hours: Every second week of February
Admission: Free -
Nozawa Fire Festival (Dosojin Matsuri)
credit: nozawafirefestival.com
Ancient New Year rituals in Nozawa onsen village attract thousands of visitors to witness the town parade to the village where the wooden shrine is located. The ceremony is performed to dispel bad spirits, and bring good fortune and fertility to the community. The main event starts with an attack on the shrine by village men aged 25 years (considered unlucky in Japanese superstition) with burning torches and battles with 40-42 aged men who are trying to protect the shrine. The attack can go on for 3 hours until the shrine is burnt to the ground where fire is fuel by throwing sake from the crowd as they burn-away any bad luck and wish for a good year to come. An amazing experience on a cold winter night to behold every 15 January.
Getting there from the hotel: https://goo.gl/maps/wMtXLD22bUaEU5mQA
Hours: Every 15 January
Admission: Free
