SIGHTS TO AMAZE AND ENTERTAIN

snow monkeys

The Snow Monkeys are adored by people from around the world.  Only a short 5 minute ride from your accommodation is the entrance to a 1.5km walk through the national forest to where the snow monkeys hang out in the natural geothermic hot pools.  In the 1950s, Japanese macaques of the mountainous Shiga Heights region, also known as snow monkeys, took advantage of a beneficial environmental change: humans altered the temperature of some volcanic hot springs to make the water more comfortable for bathers. The snow monkeys, taking a cue from their human cousins, began to partake in the hot tub experience.  

temples - castles - shrines

There is so much to see and do in the Nagano prefecture.  We can tailor make a cultural day to include many of the sights of this very special area.  Visit Matsumoto Castle which is the oldest 5 story, 6 layer castle tower in Japan.  Get a photo with the Samurai, Ninja and Geisha who frequent the castle garden area.  Roam around Nakamachi-dori street and Nawate-dori street in downtown Matsumoto to soak and up the old time atmosphere.  No visit to Nagano is complete without visiting the Zenkoji Temple with over 1400 years of history.  Unique in the fact that the city of Nagano was built around the temple thus known as a temple city and that it houses the oldest Buddhist image in Japan.  You can walk through the pitch-black corridors under the main hall and tradition has it that if you touch the key below the principle image, your entry into paradise is secured (apparently they have lots of powder snow there).  Togakushi is another place to visit with its ancient trees and shrines.

Museums - historic town

The township of Yudanaka sits at 600 metres above sea level and is a central hub for many ski resorts to be visited from. The area is well known for its onsens (hot springs) and it is said that over 1300 years ago a monk who visited the area discovered the healing quality of the water and the popularity of the region grew so much that the Samurai would come to repair their bodies in the rejuvenating waters.   A walk through historic Shibu town is also a must with its quaint shops, temples, shrines, foot onsens and authentic architecture.  The local sake museum and tasting is worth a visit and the same family also produces the very fine Shika Kogen Beer and a range of wines.  And let’s not forget the wide array of traditional eating houses in Yudanaka which serve fresh local and regional produce.  In the past few years the restaurant scene has expanded to include a number of new eateries which have a mix of Japanese and Western food to suit every palette.