Trip Planning

FAQ

Sightseeing

Q1
What are the best places and times to see cherry blossoms?

A1
The most famous place for cherry blossoms in Nagano is the Takato Castle Remains Park.
Matsumoto Castle, Ueda Castle Remains Park, Hikarujo Mountain (Azumino), and Southern Nagano's "Singular Cherry Trees" are also popular. Besides those locations, there are other spots at parks, river banks, schools and temples around the prefecture.
Bloom times vary every year, but typically the trees blossom from early April to early May. Southern Nagano is earlier than Northern, and lower elevations are earlier than higher ones.
Besides cherry blossoms, the apricot blossoms of Apricot Village in Chikuma City are also popular. They bloom in early to mid April.

Outdoor Activities

Q1
Do the Japanese Alps have snow in May?

A1
Yarigatake and other 3000-meter peaks have snow into the middle of June. Mountain climbers are advised to be prepared for bad weather at all times and to always check mountain conditions.

Q2
Is it possible to go to Kamikochi in the winter?

A2
The road to Kamikochi is closed in the winter (from mid November to late April) so the area can only be reached on foot (snow shoes reccommended, 6-8 hours round-trip). For winter-time mountain climbers, avalanches and sudden changes in the weather can make conditions dangerous, so it is imperative that proper precautions are taken and that mountain conditions be checked beforehand. Nearby Norikura Highlands are accessible by car in winter.

Onsen

Q1
Are there any mixed-bathing outdoor baths?

A1
You can find some in Shirahone Onsen and the Takayama Onsen district.

Accommodation

Q1
Are there any youth hostels in Nagano?

A1
There are youth hostels in Nagano City, Ueda, Hakuba and Kiso, among other places. There aren't any hostels in Matsumoto, but there are backpacker's lodgings.

Baggage

Q1
Is there any Baggage Storage available at train stations?

A1
Several train stations have coin lockers.

Q2
Is there any parcel delivery service?

A2
Parcel Delivery service is provided by Yamato Transport and Sagawa Express. Both have English websites. It is possible to arrange delivery by a specific day to your desired destination (hotel, etc.)

Q3
I'm planning on travelling along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route to Toyama. Is it possible to send my baggage from Nagano to Toyama?

A3
Luggage is accepted at Omachi Onsen hotels and ryokans until 8:30am and at the Alps Roman-kan next to JR Shinano Omachi Station from 9:00am until 11:10am for delivery to Toyama City hotels by 4:00pm the same day.
*FYI: Baggage Forwarding Service website in Japanese.

Q4
Are there coin lockers at Kamikochi?

A4
There aren't any coin lockers, but the Kamikochi Bus Terminal provides baggage storage.

Others

Q1
Are there any ATM's that provide cashing services for overseas credit cards?

A1
Certain cards can be used at ATMs in post offices and 7-Eleven convenience stores.

Q2
Where can I see GEISHA?

A2
Togura Kamiyamada Onsen has an active GEISHA guild.