5 Best things to see & do in Nagano

Whizzing around Japan at up to 320 km/h, Japan’s world-famous ‘bullet train’ (shinkansen in Japanese) isn’t just quick, convenient and incredibly punctual – a journey on one is a bucket list experience in and of itself.

From the regimented cleaning crews who whip through the train before boarding to make the carriages spotless, through to bowing conductors, it’s a very Japanese affair. It’s very safe too; in 50 years, carrying over 10 billion passengers, there has not been a single injury.

With comfy reclining seats and, in most cases, regular trolley services selling snacks and drinks, it’s also very relaxing – especially if you watch Japan go by from the window while tucking into a bento and sake. Just as importantly, the Shinkansen can get you across large parts of Japan’s main island, Honshu, but also connects to Kyushu out west and Hokkaido up north.

It connects Toyko, Kyoto, Osaka, Nagano and many other major cities. So if you are planning to visit multiple destinations on your trip, make the Shinkansen part of your itinerary.

One of Japan’s most famous buildings – known as ‘Crow Castle’ due to its black appearance – this lovely tenshu castle dates back to the early 16th century and showcases the beauty and functionality of Japanese castle design.

Inside, you can explore the castle’s various levels, including the main keep, which houses exhibitions displaying artefacts and historical information. Much of the original wooden interiors and external stonework have been preserved, despite the ravages of fire, earthquakes and feudal clan conflicts over the subsequent centuries.

Climb to the top offers splendid views of the surrounding landscape, including the majestic Japanese Alps.

This 7th-century Buddhist temple – rebuilt in 1707 – is one of the most famous and revered pilgrimage sites in the country. It’s been a central part of Nagano’s life and history – the city grew up around it.

The temple complex features beautiful architecture, including the Main Hall and the Niomon Gate, which are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The surrounding area offers tranquil gardens, pagodas, and a picturesque atmosphere for contemplation and meditation.

The complex also includes the Zenjoki History Museum, full of Buddha statues and Buddhist memorabilia.

The Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano is famously home to a colony of red-faced Japanese macaque monkeys – that soak blissfully in the natural hot-spring baths.

The enigmatic monkeys and their startling, human-like bathing behaviour were first propelled to international stardom by the BBC’s world-renowned wildlife documentaries; now every guidebook to Japan has a photo of them.

The area is mountainous and volcanic – heating the baths geothermally. In the winter, you can witness huge plumes of steam emanating from the hot springs that pool around this region. It’s a fairly bleak place – an hour watching the monkeys is usually enough.

A museum dedicated to the works of local Japanese artists, including landscapes, calligraphy, sculpture and the colourful contemporary art by internationally famous, Matsumoto-born Yayoi Kusama (aka the ‘dot lady’).