206.849.8511
Make Travel Make A Difference
Nagano, Japan's mountainous region has been popular with skiers for a hundred years.
Nagano has been popular with pilgrims, samurai warriors, forest bathers and temple guests for fourteen hundred years.
Location
Nagano is a mountainous prefecture located in the central Chūbu region of Japan's main island of Honshu. Nagano is a popular year-round destination, easily accessible from Tokyo via Shinkansen bullet train in just 90 minutes.
Mountain Monks
Yamabushi are mountain monks who practice a blend of Shinto, Buddhism and Taoism. They lead a ascetic and mostly solitary life, engaging in rigorous activities in nature to gain enlightenment.
"Crow" Castle
Nicknamed the "Crow Castle" for its black exterior, Mastsumoto castle offers stunning views with the Northern Alps backdrop, and boasting intact medieval defenses like hidden floors and stone-dropping slots.
Traditions
Rickshaws are believed to have been invented in Japan in the 1860s. In Matsumoto, it is still possible to travel by rickshaw - a fun way to explore the city.
Japanese Alps
Nagano comprises the stunning Japanese Alps, offering pristine wilderness with glaciers, alpine trails, historic villages, and hot springs. Nagano attracts nature lovers seeking traditional Japanese mountain life, climbers and skiers.
Winter Fun
Nagano is a premier winter sports destination, famous for world-class skiing and snowboarding. Nagano also offers such winter activities as moonlight snow-shoeing and igloo stays.
Yayoi Kusama
Known for her use of polka dots, pumpkins, and light, and for the immersive "Infinity Mirror Rooms", Yayoi Kusama's art is highly recognizable. Matsumoto city is Kusama's birthplace, and the location of her museum.
Snow Monkeys
The Japanese macaque has featured prominently in the religion, folklore, and art of Japan, and in proverbs and idiomatic expressions. In Nagano's winter months, "snow monkeys" warm up in hot springs.
Nagano: Ancient Japan
Popular Nagano Experiences
to add to any itinerary
Spend 2 days and 1 night at Zenkoji temple, one of Japan’s most beloved Buddhist landmarks. Located in Nagano City and founded in 7th century, Zenkoji welcomes all faiths. Experience vegan meals, interaction with monks, Zen meditation sessions and other activities in its serene incense-filled halls.
Guests also take part in unique spiritual experiences, such as the serene “Oasaji” morning service
at sunrise, the Mawari Goma fire ceremony —the “flames of wisdom” are believed to burn away
worldly desires and grant wishes—and sutra copying, a meditative practice to calm the mind and
restore inner peace.
A temple stay is an unforgettable experience that offers rebirth, hope, and spiritual renewal for travelers seeking culture, history, reflection, and inspiration.
MATSUMOTO CITY BREAK - 3 days
Step into Nagano's beating heart - Matsumoto, where history, nature, and craftsmanship converge. Marvel at the timeless beauty of Matsumoto Castle, explore the city's surrounding forests and sustainable practices that have shaped the area, and immerse yourself in Japanese artistry with a private tour of the Matsumoto City Museum, featuring works by Yayoi Kusama.
Experience the mastery of traditional woodworking firsthand at the renowned m4 Atelier, where centuries of craft meet modern elegance.
Each evening, unwind in the serene ryokan Tobira Onsen Myojinkan, where thoughtfully designed architecture, exquisite cuisine, and hot springs create the perfect retreat. Delight in the subtle beauty of Japanese traditions through calligraphy, tea ceremonies, and music.
Matsumoto is more than a destination — it’s a journey into Japan’s soul, where culture and craft exist in perfect harmony.
ZENKOJI TEMPLE STAY - 2 days
Experience Nagano's diverse winter wonderland in Iiyama. From the mystical cedar-lined paths of Togakushi Shrine, named one of the natural wonders of the world, to the charming Snow Monkeys, Iiyama, is a destination that inspires awe in every season. For 5 days, revel in the best of Iiyama and its surrounds.
Relax in the healing waters of Yudanaka Shibu Onsen, where traditional hot spring inns offer private open-air baths, exquisite Japanese cuisine, and heartfelt hospitality. For a truly unique experience, savor a meal inside a glowing Kamakura snow hut (igloo), surrounded by a serene snowy landscape. And of course,
Nagano’s world-class ski resorts promise thrilling adventures for all levels.
Katsushika Hokusai, one of Japan’s most celebrated artists, is world renowned for works like The Great
Wave off Kanagawa. His biggest Masterpiece is nearby, in Obuse.
Whether you seek relaxation, culture,or adventure, Northern Nagano brings together the very best of Japan into one magical retreat.
Shugendo is a unique Japanese spiritual tradition with a strong emphasis on ascetic mountain practices, and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment through direct engagement with nature. Mountain monks called Yamabushi walked the mountains in search of enlightenment. Their traditional trails are used in this tour.
Three sites - Togakushi, Iizuna, and Kosuge - form the spiritual backbone of northern Nagano, each offering unique insights into the rich tapestry of Shugendo. Trek to these sites with northern Nagano's only remaining mountain monk, and you’ll experience a unique spiritual encounter that some say is life-changing.
Explore old growth cedar forests, taste local cuisine and relax in hot springs. See the rural beauty of
the Japanese countryside and ascend Mt.Iizuna for spectacular views. Stay in traditional ryokans and enjoy local dishes like soba noodles and miso-based specialties.
%20S_JPG.jpg)
Spend 4-days exploring Iiyama from your base in a cozy cabin. Activities include day time or moonlight snowshoe trekking in Mt. Nabekura which offers a peaceful and quiet journey through deep, untouched snowfields and panoramic winter mountain views.
In Iiyama town, try Japanese paper making and make a souvenir you will treasure.
Temple visitors can immerse themselves in Zen culture through activities such as zazen meditation and Shabutsu, the mindful tracing of Buddhist images.
Visit the snow monkeys and see them enjoying the warmth of their favorite hot springs at Snow Monkey Park. Later, enjoy a visit to (human) hot springs and relax in the healing waters yourself.
Cycle through Japan’s countryside from Iiyama to Nozawa Onsen, passing flower-filled fields, historic shrines, and the peaceful shores of Lake Hokuryu. After a scenic climb, enjoy sweeping river views before arriving at the hot spring village. Luggage delivery service allows you to cycle comfortably. Relax and savor the local onsen hospitality.
In Nozawa, deepen your connection with Japanese tradition at a temple in Iiyama. Experience Shabutsu (tracing Buddhist images), Zazen meditation, and savor a beautifully prepared Shojin ryori vegan meal
— a traditional form of plant-based Buddhist cuisine.
Surrounded by nature and temple stillness, this is a rare opportunity to slow down and reconnect with
both culture and self.