Host of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games, Nagano is known for its picturesque snow-covered scenery, fantastic ski resorts, and of course, the affectionately dubbed snow monkeys that bathe in hot springs.
Experience the best parts of winter on a three-day trip in Northern Nagano.
Trip Highlights
- Visit the snow monkeys of Jigokudani Wild Snow Monkey Park relaxing in a steamy hot spring bath
- See the works of famed Ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai in the charming town of Obuse
- Snowshoe through a forest of towering cedar trees in Togakushi on a trip around its spiritual shrines
- Go skiing or snowboarding in Hakuba and enjoy views of the Northern Japanese Alps
- Warm up with one of Nagano’s winter festivals, such as the Nagano Lantern Festival
Itinerary
Day 1: Visit the Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani and Art Museums of Obuse
Arrive in Nagano early in the morning for a full day of sightseeing. Head to Jigokudani Wild Snow Monkey Park to see wild Japanese macaques bathing in hot springs before stopping in Obuse to explore the works of one of Japan’s most famous Ukiyo-e artists.
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Jigokudani is world-famous for its wild Japanese macaques soaking in natural hot springs during winter. Surrounded by steep, snow-covered cliffs, the park offers one of Japan’s most iconic winter scenes. The monkeys roam freely, allowing visitors to observe their behavior at close range in a natural setting. Winter is the best season, when snow blankets the valley and steam rises from the hot spring pools.
Obuse is a charming small town known for chestnut sweets and art. The Hokusai-kan Museum showcases the later works of Katsushika Hokusai, creator of The Great Wave off Kanagawa, who temporarily stayed here during his later years. The sleek modern building contrasts beautifully with the historic townscape, and the museum provides excellent context for understanding Hokusai’s influence on Japanese and global art.
Day 2: Snowshoe in Togakushi’s Sacred Forests
On your second day in Nagano, head north into the forests of Togakushi, known for its five Shinto shrines and towering cedar trees. Rent some snowshoes and take a stroll through picturesque winter scenery.
Pass through the looming torii gate and snowshoe down the path towards the Okusha Shrine. After about 20 to 30 minutes, you'll reach the Zuijinmon Gate and Togakushi’s lane of cedar for the area’s most striking views. The contrast of red against evergreen trees and pure white snow is stunning, accentuated by the height of these 400-year-old giants.
From the Zuijinmon Gate, follow the course marked by colored flags as you snowshoe through powdery snow on the way to Kagami Pond. As long as you know where you’re headed, you can freely move around the snow unimpeded by bushes or small streams. Along the way, you may find some statues half-buried in the snow, as well as the vermillion torii gates of Tenmei Inari Shrine. From Kagami Pond, you can take in the views of the precipitous mountains of Togakushi.
From Kagami Pond, head back the way you came and return your snowshoes at Okushamae Naosuke.
The Togakushi Chusha Shrine is just beyond the tall torii gate and steep flight of steps in front of the tourism information center. During winter, the steps are closed and a separate, more gradual slope leads up to the main hall.
Pay a visit to the snow-covered shrine and take a peek at the dragon painted on the ceiling of the hall (a reconstruction of ukiyo-e artist’s Kawanabe Kyōsai original work from the mid-19th century).
If visiting in early February, enjoy the Nagano Lantern Festival near Zenkoji Temple. Soft lantern light illuminate the street and Zenkoji Temple is bathed in color in commemoration of the 1998 Winter Olympics. During the festival, there are also other events and food stalls as well.
Day 3: Go Skiing or Snowboarding in the Japanese Alps
What winter trip to Nagano is complete without a day on the slopes? Head to the Hakuba Valley for incredible views of the Northern Japanese Alps and a full day of winter activities. You can ski, snowboard, go snowmobiling or leisurely relax on scenic terraces.
Enjoy an exhilarating ride on a snowmobile while gazing at wonderful winter scenery. Perfect for families with young adults. Some snowmobiling tours also offer tandem rides where younger children can ride together with their parents. Learn more here.
Snowmobile tours are handled mainly by Hakuba Lion Adventure.
Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort is known for its scenic slopes and relaxed atmosphere, suitable for beginners and intermediate skiers. Advanced skiers and snowboarders can enjoy ungroomed tree areas around the top of the mountain. Even non-skiers can ride the gondola to the summit to visit Hakuba Mountain Harbor, a stylish terrace café with panoramic views of the Northern Alps.
