Nagano city, the capital of Nagano Prefecture, is a delightful destination for travelers seeking a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty in Japan. Surrounded by majestic mountains, including the iconic Japanese Alps, Nagano offers a plethora of outdoor activities. The city is also home to the renowned Zenko-ji Temple, a 7th-century Buddhist temple that houses a revered, secret statue of Buddha, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike. Nagano gained international prominence as the host city of the 1998 Winter Olympics, and visitors can explore the Olympic facilities for a nostalgic experience. With its vibrant food scene featuring local specialties like soba noodles, delicious oyaki dumplings, and sake, Nagano city offers an unforgettable adventure filled with history, natural wonders, and culinary delights.
The easiest way to get around in Nagano city is by car. However, if you prefer public transportation, most major sights and attractions are accessible by a combination of trains and buses.
Getting to Nagano
Public transportation:
The easiest and fastest way to get to Nagano city from Tokyo by public transportation is by taking the bullet train:
from Tokyo Station, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen bound for Kanazawa or Toyama. This high-speed train will take you directly to Nagano Station. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 50 minutes, depending on the specific train you board (Kagayaki, Hakutaka, or Asama).
If you prefer not to take the Shinkansen, you can use a combination of local and express trains. The total travel time for this route is approximately 4 hours, and while it takes longer than the Shinkansen, it can be more cost-effective, especially if you do not have a Japan Rail Pass:
from Tokyo Station, take the JR Chuo Line Rapid Service bound for Takao. Get off at Tachikawa Station. This journey takes approximately 35 minutes.
At Tachikawa Station, transfer to the JR Chuo Main Line Limited Express "Azusa" or "Kaiji" bound for Matsumoto. Travel to Matsumoto Station, which takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes.
From Matsumoto Station, transfer to the JR Shinonoi Line and take a local train bound for Nagano. Get off at Nagano Station. This final leg takes approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour.
The nearest and most convenient airport to Nagano is Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND).
by car: approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes
by bullet-train: approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes
by local trains / and or buses: approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes
How long to stay at Nagano
We recommend staying here for about one day.
Hotels in Nagano
Flights to Nagano
The nearest and most convenient airport to Nagano is Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND).
by car: approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes
by bullet-train: approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes
by local trains / and or buses: approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes
Seasonal information
Hiking:
The hiking season in Nagano typically spans from late spring to early autumn, with the most favorable months being June through October. During this period, the weather is generally pleasant and the trails are accessible, allowing hikers to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the region, including the Japanese Alps and other scenic mountain landscapes. However, please note that the conditions in higher altitudes can be unpredictable, and snow may still be present on some trails in early June. It's essential to check the weather forecast and trail conditions before embarking on a hike, and always be prepared with appropriate clothing, footwear, and equipment for the best and safest hiking experience.
Festivals in Nagano
Nagano Tanabata Festival
an annual celebration featuring vibrant decorations, lively performances, and traditional customs. This enchanting event brings the city to life as locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy the colorful festivities and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Date: July 20th until August 7th
For the exact location of the festival, you can consult our map above by clicking on the icon in the upper most corner of the map to open the map legend. Festivals are hidden by default but can be made visible by clicking on the "Festivals" checkbox in the map legend.
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