Nagano is known for its beautiful snowy hilltops and rich historical temples and is the best place to be for Japan’s winter season!
The most iconic attraction of Nagano is its Snow Monkey Park, which is just one bus ride from the central business district. This area is covered in pure white snow during winter, including the trees, mountains, and buildings. You can even find one of Japan’s oldest and most iconic temples just a 20-minute walk from Nagano station!
Zenkoji Temple
The Zenkoji Temple is one of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temples. It has stood the test of time for nearly 1400 years and is not only a place for Buddhist pilgrims but also for visitors and tourists of all religious and cultural backgrounds.
Every morning, Zenkoji Temple performs a ceremony for all visitors to attend. During my stay in Nagano, I had the pleasure of visiting the temple in the fresh hours of the morning for the ceremony as well as the cool hours of the night to see the beautiful light decorations.
I happened to see the temple on a rainy day, but on some days in the winter you will see snowfall. Visiting the temple on a snowy day gives a different vibe altogether, blanketing the roof and surrounding area with a pure white aesthetic.
Snow Monkey Park
You don’t talk about Nagano without mentioning Snow Monkey Park. This winter wonderland is so much more than the monkeys though, hosting plenty of stunning snowy walks and terrific temples!
Personally, I was more fascinated by the beauty of Nagano’s snowy hilltops and forests than the monkey park itself. With that in mind, seeing the snow monkeys bathe in the hot springs is an awesome bonus to the experience!
In addition to the beautiful scenery, there are a few restaurant options to keep warm in the snow. I had the pleasure of feasting on one of the most delicious bowls of ebi tempura soba noodles ever!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!