🏔️ About Nagano

💬 A Personal Note

Before coming to Japan, I lived in Istanbul, a city of over 20 million people. When I decided to study abroad, I knew I didn’t want to move to another crowded city. Instead, I was looking for somewhere smaller, surrounded by nature, where life moves at a slower pace.

That’s how I found myself in Ueda, a quiet city in the Nagano region—and I’m so glad I did. Ueda has been the perfect place to study, breathe fresh air, and truly experience a different side of Japan. Living here has given me a deep appreciation for the beauty, calm, and culture of Nagano.

Nagano is a region located in the heart of Japan, surrounded by the majestic Japanese Alps. Known for its stunning natural landscapes, traditional hot spring towns, and deep historical roots, Nagano offers a unique and peaceful experience for travelers seeking more than the usual tourist path.

This mountainous prefecture is famous for its four distinct seasons. In winter, it becomes a snow-covered wonderland—home to some of the best ski resorts in Japan, such as Hakuba, Shiga Kogen, and Nozawa Onsen. These resorts hosted events during the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics and continue to attract snow lovers from around the world. Spring brings cherry blossoms blooming along mountain trails, while summer offers lush greenery, hiking, climbing, and cool escapes from the city heat. In autumn, the forests turn brilliant shades of red and gold, making it one of Japan’s top destinations for fall foliage.

Nagano is not only a natural paradise but also a place of history and spirituality. It is home to Zenkoji Temple, one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in Japan, drawing pilgrims for centuries. The Togakushi Shrine complex, located deep in the mountains, offers a mystical forest experience, with sacred cedar trees lining the path to the shrine buildings. The area is also rich in folklore, ninja history, and ancient trade routes, like the Nakasendo Trail, which once connected Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo).

For those interested in cultural experiences, Nagano delivers with its traditional ryokan inns, local soba noodles, sake breweries, and relaxing onsen (hot springs). Towns like Shibu Onsen, Yudanaka, and Bessho Onsen allow visitors to step back in time while soaking in natural mineral baths. Perhaps one of the most unique experiences is visiting the famous Snow Monkey Park in Jigokudani, where wild monkeys bathe in hot springs during the winter—an unforgettable sight found nowhere else in the world.

Despite its tranquil setting, Nagano is easily accessible. A quick 1.5-hour ride on the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo brings you directly to Nagano City, the region’s capital. From there, local trains and buses can take you to peaceful mountain villages, spiritual sites, and scenic countryside spots.

Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, a lover of Japanese culture, or simply someone looking to slow down and connect with nature, Nagano offers something special—a perfect balance of discovery, serenity, and tradition.

Come and explore a different side of Japan. Welcome to Nagano.