Have you heard of or been to Nagano? A mountainous landlocked prefecture, Nagano has a cooling temperature all year round, making it a popular destination even in the peak of summer.

This is JR Nagano Branch Office, and we will be introducing four must-visit summer spots in various areas in Nagano Prefecture (長野県), otherwise known as Shinshu (信州).

 

1. Nozawa Onsen Village 

Zip Sky Ride at Nozawa Onsen
Zip Skyride at Nozawa Onsen. 

Nozawa Onsen Village (野沢温泉村) is the only village in Japan that has the word “Onsen” in its name. It has flourished as a hot spring resort since ancient times, and there are many outdoor baths (communal baths) in the hot spring town. 

Looking for a thrilling summer activity in this hot spring village? Try the Zip Sky Ride, which is 652m long and has a maximum speed of 70km/h.

 

Nozawa Onsen Village (野沢温泉村)
Address: Shimotakai District, Nagano
Access: 25 minutes by bus from Iiyama Station (飯山駅)

 

2. Norikura Highlands 

Norikura Kogen
Norikura Highlands. 

Located in the Chubu-Sangaku National Park, Norikura Highlands (乗鞍高原) is at the foot of Mt. Norikura, which is known as the easiest mountain to climb in Japan that is over 3,000m. Due to the high altitude, it is cool even in summer, and you can enjoy hiking and mountain biking.

 

Norikura Highlands (乗鞍高原)
Address: Azumi, Matsumoto, Nagano
Access: 1.5 hours by bus and train from Matsumoto Station (松本駅)

 

3. HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR

Hakuba Mountain Harbor
HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR.

While Hakuba Village (白馬村) is famous for its ski resorts and heavy snowfall, it is a place that can be enjoyed even in the snow-free season. At an elevation of 1,289m, HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR has a terrace that offers beautiful scenery of each season such as lush greens in summer and beautiful color contrast in autumn. 

 

HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR
Address: 12056 Hokujo, Hakuba, Kitaazumi District, Nagano 399-9301
Access: 1.5 hours by express bus from Nagano Station (長野駅)

 

4. Komoro Distillery

Komoro Distillery
Komoro Distillery.

Komoro Distillery (小諸蒸留所) is founded by the world-renowned Master Distiller & Blender, Ian Chang. You can explore the world of whisky through a variety of experiences including a production tour, luxurious bar & shop, and a series of exclusive tasting courses by professionals (reservations required) called “Whisky Academy”.

 

Komoro Distillery (小諸蒸留所)
Address: 4630-1 Ko, Komoro, Nagano 384-0801
Access: 10 minutes by car from Komoro Station (小諸駅), or 25 minutes by car from Sakudaira Station (佐久平駅)

 

Go Nature, Go Nagano this summer!

Hello from JR Nagano Branch Office!
See you in Nagano! | ©JR Nagano Branch Office

Nagano is famous for its heavy snowfall, but it is also an area filled with nature and bustling with summer activities! Besides the places that we have introduced, Nagano is also home to famous spots like Karuizawa, Kamikochi, Togakushi, and Zenkoji Temple.

Use the JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area), a discounted rail pass for five consecutive days, to explore Nagano this summer! From Tokyo, you can take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano Station (~1 hour 40 minutes), or the Limited Express Azusa to Matsumoto Station (~3 hours). Both stations are major transport hubs and are considered the gateway to Nagano from Tokyo.

 

We hope that you will visit Nagano, as well as the spots that we have recommended. See you in Nagano!