Nagano has been on my bucket list for the longest time, especially because of the Snow Monkey Park. Since we were planning to visit a few prefectures we had never been to before on this trip, I decided to include Nagano as well. Although it was a brief visit, we were glad we stopped by. Continue reading to discover what we did here.
What is Nagano, Japan known for?
Nagano Prefecture is best known for its mountain landscapes, winter sports, and natural beauty, earning it a reputation as one of Japan’s premier outdoor destinations.
Located in the heart of Honshu, Nagano is surrounded by the Japanese Alps, making it a paradise for hiking, trekking, and scenic escapes in warmer months, as well as skiing and snowboarding in winter. Its cool climate and dramatic scenery attract nature lovers year-round.
Nagano is internationally famous for winter sports, especially after hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics. The prefecture is home to some of Japan’s top ski resorts, including Hakuba Valley, Nozawa Onsen, and Shiga Kogen, drawing skiers and snowboarders from around the world. Many of these areas also double as hot spring towns, allowing visitors to relax in an onsen after a day on the slopes.
The region is also known for its hot springs and traditional towns, offering a slower, more authentic side of Japan. Historic onsen villages like Nozawa Onsen and Yudanaka–Shibu Onsen are popular for their charming streets and centuries-old bathhouses. One of Nagano’s most iconic sights is Jigokudani Monkey Park, where wild snow monkeys soak in natural hot springs during winter.
Attractions
Jigokudani Yaen-Koen
Jigokudani Yaen-Koen, also known as the Snow Monkey Park, is one of Nagano Prefecture’s most iconic attractions. Located in the mountains of Yamanouchi, the park is famous for its wild Japanese macaques that bathe in natural hot springs, especially during the winter months.
The name “Jigokudani,” meaning “Hell Valley,” comes from the area’s steep cliffs, steaming vents, and harsh winter conditions, which create a dramatic and unforgettable setting.
A visit to Jigokudani Yaen-Koen begins with a scenic walk through a forested trail, adding to the sense of adventure before reaching the hot spring area. Unlike zoos, the monkeys roam freely in their natural habitat, allowing visitors to observe their social behaviour up close. Watching the macaques relax in the warm onsen while snow falls around them is a rare and captivating sight, making this park a favourite among photographers and nature lovers.
Beyond its visual appeal, Jigokudani Yaen-Koen plays an important role in wildlife conservation and education. The park encourages respectful observation, ensuring that the monkeys’ natural behaviours remain undisturbed.
While the snow monkeys are most famous in winter, they can be seen year-round, offering a unique glimpse into Japan’s wildlife in every season. Visiting Jigokudani Yaen-Koen is not just a photo opportunity, but a memorable experience that highlights the harmony between nature and wildlife in Japan.
P/S: I almost died at this place.
Yes, I nearly died at the start of the New Year, simply because we visited this place on 1 January 2026. The reason? Slippery roads. First of all, please wear proper shoes if you plan to visit in winter. We actually packed anti-slip gear in our luggage but didn’t wear it, thinking we wouldn’t need it. We were completely wrong and regretted it the moment we arrived. I fell hard three times during the trip. Fortunately, my husband didn’t fall (though he almost did) and only slipped. I kept thinking how worried he must have been, especially since he was carrying Sachiko in a hip seat carrier.
From the main entrance to the monkey onsen area, the walk takes about 30–40 minutes, depending on your pace. I know everyone says winter is the best time to visit because the place is covered in snow and the monkeys are more likely to be soaking in the onsen. However, because of the snow and ice, the path becomes extremely slippery.
It wasn’t just me; I saw many other visitors falling along the way, too. Even though we paid the entrance fee, it honestly felt like the management didn’t do a great job ensuring safety. There are no fences, so if you fall, you could easily slip down the forest slope, which is very dangerous. Two sections of the route were especially slippery, where almost everyone struggled. The only safety measure provided was a loose rope for visitors to hold on to, and that was it.
When I finally made it back to the main entrance, I felt such a sense of relief. Life suddenly felt very precious. I thought I was the only one who felt that way until my husband told me he felt exactly the same. After returning home, I even Googled this place and found out that people have been injured here before, with ambulances called in.
So yes, that’s my experience, and I can confidently say I 100% will not revisit this place.
Details
Location : 6845 Hirao, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401, Japan.
Business hours : Daily (9.00am - 4.00pm)
Admission fees : ¥800 (adults) or ¥400 (children 6-17), with children under 6 free
Narai-juku
Narai-juku is a beautifully preserved post town located in Nagano Prefecture, once serving as an important stop along the historic Nakasendo Trail, which connected Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo) during the Edo period. Often referred to as “Narai of a Thousand Houses,” the town flourished as a resting point for travellers, merchants, and samurai.
Today, its long stretch of traditional wooden buildings, latticed windows, and narrow streets offers a rare glimpse into Japan’s past.
Strolling through Narai-juku feels like stepping back in time. Many of the original Edo-period structures have been carefully restored and repurposed into museums, cafés, souvenir shops, and inns, allowing visitors to experience history while enjoying modern comforts.
Seasonal changes add to its charm, with snow-covered rooftops in winter and vibrant foliage in autumn creating postcard-worthy scenes. The town is especially peaceful in the early morning or late afternoon, when the streets are quieter, and the atmosphere feels most authentic.
Beyond its visual appeal, Narai-juku is a cultural destination where history and daily life intertwine. Visitors can learn about traditional crafts, sample local specialities, or stay overnight in a ryokan to fully immerse themselves in the town’s heritage.
As one of the best-preserved post towns in Japan, Narai-juku offers a meaningful and immersive experience for travellers interested in history, architecture, and the slower rhythms of traditional Japanese life.
We stumbled upon this shop and noticed that the curry bread looked so good, so we decided to give it a try.
It was served hot and absolutely delicious! The curry was fragrant, and the bread was perfectly crispy on the outside yet soft on the inside.
Details
Location : Narai, Shiojiri, Nagano 399-6303, Japan.
Business hours : Open 24 hours (depending on the shops)
Admission fees : Free
Shibu Onsen
Shibu Onsen is a charming hot spring town in Nagano, known for its nostalgic atmosphere, stone-paved streets, and rows of traditional ryokan.
With a history spanning over 1,300 years, the town feels like a step back in time, especially in the evening when guests stroll the streets in yukata, hopping between public bathhouses. The iconic nine public onsens, each with its own character, are said to bring different blessings, making onsen hopping a meaningful and memorable experience.
The historic Kanaguya Ryokan in Shibu Onsen, Nagano, is widely believed to have inspired the magical, multi-storied bathhouse in Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away.
Built over 260 years ago, its traditional wooden architecture, intricate detailing, and atmospheric lantern-lit surroundings create a real-life, immersive experience that feels straight out of the film’s world.
Nestled in the mountains near Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, Shibu Onsen is also famous for its natural hot spring waters and warm hospitality.
Staying overnight at a ryokan allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the town’s culture, from soaking in mineral-rich baths to enjoying beautifully prepared kaiseki meals. It’s the perfect place to slow down, unwind, and experience the timeless charm of rural Japan.
Accommodation
Sakaeya Ryokan
Sakaeya Ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn located in the Yudanakashibu Onsen area of Nagano Prefecture, offering a classic and welcoming ryokan experience.
Known for its warm hospitality and nostalgic atmosphere, the ryokan provides guests with a chance to slow down and enjoy Japan’s onsen culture in a peaceful setting. Its location makes it a convenient base for exploring nearby hot spring towns and popular attractions such as Jigokudani Yaen-Koen.
What makes Sakaeya Ryokan especially memorable is its intimate, old-fashioned charm and attentive service. Rather than feeling like a large hotel, it offers a more personal and authentic stay, where guests can truly experience the warmth of Japanese hospitality. For travellers seeking a quiet retreat and a genuine onsen ryokan experience in Nagano, Sakaeya Ryokan is a charming and comfortable choice.
We had our New Year dinner here and enjoyed a delicious meal. There was a wide variety of dishes, and everything tasted great. We even got to grill our own meat on a hot stone — such a fun and interesting experience! They also provided a baby meal for my 1-year-old daughter, which was very thoughtful.
Mochitsuki (餅つき)
Making rice cakes for the New Year in Japan is called mochitsuki. This traditional and often communal ceremony involves steaming glutinous rice and pounding it with a wooden mallet in a mortar until it becomes smooth and sticky. Mochi is considered a sacred food, believed to bring good fortune, health, and prosperity for the coming year.
We were so lucky to experience this — I had only seen it in Crayon Shin-chan before, haha! I didn’t manage to take any photos, but I did record a video of my husband and daughter pounding the rice cake.
Details
Location : 2171 Hirao, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401, Japan.
Price per night : RM1,500++ (depends on meals)
That's all for my Nagano itinerary. Not really a detailed travel guide, but at least I shared with you guys my travel experience here. Hopefully, you guys enjoy reading, and I shall see you guys in the next post. Sayonara.
#ShiniInNagano
For more photos, search the hashtag #ShiniInNagano on Instagram. There, you can also find additional details about my personal experiences during the trip.
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