Nagano City’s Zenko-ji temple and snow monkeys, Matsumoto Castle, and the mountain valley of Kamikochi.
Nagano is a large mountain prefecture. The Hokuriku Shinkansen serves Nagano City and Karuizawa; Matsumoto is on the Chuo Line. Pick one side per trip.
JapaLens editorial guide · Read in about 5 minutesZenko-ji is one of Japan’s most important temples, with a pitch-dark passage under the main hall. Jigokudani Monkey Park, near Yudanaka, is famous for wild monkeys bathing in hot springs in winter.
The monkey park is a 30-minute forest walk from the parking area; wear snow boots in winter.
Read this area guide →Matsumoto Castle is a National Treasure with one of Japan’s oldest surviving keeps, its black walls set against the Northern Alps. Nakamachi Street has white storehouses and craft shops.
Limited expresses from Shinjuku take about 2.5 hours. The castle keep has steep stairs.
Read this area guide →A high valley in the Northern Alps, open from late April to mid-November. Flat paths along the Azusa River link Kappa Bridge, Taisho Pond and Myojin Pond.
Private cars are banned; take a bus from Matsumoto via Shin-Shimashima or from Takayama via Hirayu.
Read this area guide →An editorial route idea, not a timed tour. Adjust it for weather, opening days and your walking pace.
Zenko-ji temple in the morning.
Shinshu soba near the temple.
Train and bus to Jigokudani Monkey Park.
Hot-spring inn in Yudanaka or Shibu Onsen.
Try Shinshu soba, oyaki dumplings, apples, wasabi from Azumino and local sake.
Stay in Nagano City for rail access, Yudanaka or Shibu Onsen for the monkeys, Matsumoto for the castle, or Hakuba and Nozawa for skiing.
Hokuriku Shinkansen to Karuizawa and Nagano; JR Chuo Line to Matsumoto. Nagano Electric Railway serves Yudanaka.
