Preparing your trip to Nagano: advices & hints - things to do and to obey
1. Most tourists visit Nagano in winter, as well as during major religious holidays. Hotel rooms should be booked in advance for such periods.
2. The best option for active tourists would be a hotel located near the train station. If you choose one, the main part of popular attractions will be within walking distance.
3. The city has a lot of traditional "ryokan" hotels. The design of rooms may be different from those in classic hotels. In some rooms, instead of regular beds, there are only mattresses on the floor.
4. The city can offer many restaurants of various profiles. Regional restaurants are distinguished by the most attractive prices. Restaurants located in and around hotels are the most expensive.
6. Nagano is famous for its natural attractions. For fans of excursions and walks in picturesque places, the best season to visit the city is spring or summer.
7. Local ski resorts are located in the immediate vicinity of the city and feature a high-class infrastructure. A lot of sports facilities left over from the Olympics are maintained in good condition.
Nagano has been known as a winter sports center since the Olympics. The prefecture is also famous for its variety of natural attractions. Jigokudani Park located at an altitude of 850 meters … Open
9. Popular entertainment in Nagano is swimming in hot springs. Some traditional-style hotels have their own springs or thermal pools.
10. Some thermal centers and spas have relaxation rooms that can be even rented for a full day. They are quite affordable, so some tourists choose this accommodation option in order to save.
11. On the streets, there are many stalls and open-air cafes selling popular local fast food. Such dishes are cheap and can be safely classified as healthy and useful.
12. Many budget tourists prefer ready-made meals in supermarkets. Packaged food is also attractively priced. A transparent container allows seeing its contents in detail.
13. Local payment terminals rarely accept European cards. For this reason, it is recommended to exchange currency before the trip.
14. In Nagano, as in other cities of Japan, tipping is not accepted. This applies to hotels, restaurants or taxi.
15. When visiting temples and some sights, it is customary to take off shoes. Try to clarify all the rules in advance.
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What to visit being in Nagano - unique sights
Toilet at Madarao-Kogen
From the series “Public Toilets, Who Makes it Extravagant”
Check on the map: Distance from Nagano center - 24.4 km.
On the floor under the feet there is another original art element - the painted skis. So it seems to the visitor of the Klos, that he is on the mountain peak and every time ski can start to run. The hotel is just as remarkable and highly requested by the supporters of the winter sports. The hotel is located in the incredibly beautiful mountainous area. The unity with the beautiful nature can be felt here even in the toilet. …
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Matsumoto Castle
From the series “Impressive Castles and Palaces Located on Water”
Check on the map: Distance from Nagano center - 49.6 km.
In the last few years, the castle was empty and under threat of demolition. The ordinary tourists have saved the castle from destruction. The close proximity to Tokyo has made the Matsumoto Palace one of the most visited architectural monuments of the capital. The main characteristic of the castle is its architecture. From the outside, the building seems to be five-storey, although there are actually six floors, the last of which is hidden behind the defenses. …
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City tours, excursions and tickets in Nagano and surroundings
Photos of Nagano
Services search (pharmacy, police, parking, banks) on Nagano map
Travelling to Nagano - advices and tips. What should be provisioned in advance, the rules you might want to follow, and the things you better avoid doing in Nagano. We help you to make your trip smooth and easy, with no unexpected surprises.