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Exploring Nagano & Surrounds

#Nagano.

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Surrounded by natural beauty, the city of Nagano offers would-be visitors plenty of sightseeing opportunities. It is also an excellent base for further exploring the Nagano Prefecture. ​

  • Highlights - Nagano Station: Alight at Nagano Station for Zenkōji Omotesando, Zenkōji Nakamise Street, Zenkōji Temple, and Joyama Park.

  • Bonus Tip: Consider visiting some of the smaller temples and shrines in the Nagano City area, some of which have lovely tranquil gardens to relax in. 

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#Daytrips from Nagano.

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For places to visit beyond Nagano, the following make for ideal day trips and are easily accessible by rail, along with some light walking (up to 30 minutes). 

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1. Narai-juku.

Dating back to the Edo period (1603-1868), the historic town of Narai-juku is a charming place to spend some time wandering through. It is also one of a few post towns along the Nakasendo Trail to be serviced by a train station, making it an easy day trip from Matsumoto.

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  • Journey Duration: Around two hours by local trains from JR Nagano Station.

  • Highlights: Historic buildings (pictured) housing restaurants, cafés, museums, and specialty stores. The town is also home to the C12199 Steam Locomotive, Daihoji Temple, Chosenji Temple, and the Kiso Bridge. 

  • Rail Pass: A JR Rail Pass can be used for this journey. 

  • Bonus Tip: Consider heading onwards to Kiso-Fukushima to spend some time in Fukushima-juku as well. A train from Narai Station will take around 20 minutes. 

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2. Ueda.

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A short Shinkansen ride from Nagano, the city of Ueda is the perfect day trip for those wanting a slice of traditional Japan without the crowds. 

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  • Journey Duration: A Shinkansen from JR Nagano Station to JR Ueda will take around 10 minutes.

  • Highlights - Ueda Station: Alight at Ueda Station for Ueda Castle Ninomaru Ruins, Yanagamachi Historic Street, and Tokidakan Silk Mill.

  • Highlights - Bessho Onsen Station: Bessho Hot Spring, Kitamuki Kannon Temple, Anrakuji Temple, Jorakuji, 北向観音 参道 (approach to Kitamuki Kannon, pictured).

  • Rail Pass: The JR Rail Pass can be used for travel except between Ueda and Ōya on the Shinano Line.

  • Bonus Tip:​ IC Cards can not be used on the Uedadentetsu Line between Ueda and Bessho Onsen Station, be sure to bring enough change for the fare. 

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3. Ōya

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  • Journey Duration: Around 45-50 minutes from Nagano Station (change at Ueda or Shinonoi Station for Shinano rail line to Ōya Station).

  • Highlights - Ōya Station: Alight at Ōya Station for the historic post-town of Unno-juku (pictured), about a 20-minute walk away. 

  • Rail Pass: A JR Rail Pass can be used between Nagano and Ueda or Shinonoi Station. For travel on the Shinano Rail Line a separate ticket will need to be purchased (cash only).  

  • Bonus Tip: Early riser may like to consider pairing this with the Ueda day trip mentioned above. 

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4. Matsumoto.​​​​

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Within the Nagano Prefecture, surrounded by mountains, lies the picturesque city of Matsumoto where visitors can enjoy several sightseeing opportunities. The city also provides an excellent base for further exploring the Nagano area. 

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  • Journey Duration: Limited Express Trains run between Nagano and Matsumoto Station with a journey time of just under an hour. 

  • Highlights: Matsumoto Jinga Shrine, Matsumoto Castle (pictured), Nawate Shopping Street, Yohashira Jinga, Nakamachi Shopping Street, Matsumoto Timepiece Museum, Fukashi-jinja Shrine, Agatanomori Park. 

  • Rail Pass: A JR Rail Pass can be used for travel between Nagano and Matsumoto Stations.

  • Bonus Tip:​ Those who also plan to visit Narai-juku might like to consider spending a couple of days in Matsumoto.

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5. Karuizawa.

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Popular with day trippers, Karuizawa is a great place for those with a soft spot for café culture and retail therapy. 

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  • Journey Duration: The Shinkansen runs between Nagano and Karuizawa Station with a journey time of around 20 to 30 minutes.

  • Highlights - JR Karuizawa Station:​ Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza, Yagasaki Park, Karuizawa New Art Museum, Kumoba Pond, Old Karuizawa Ginza Street.

  • Highlights - Nakakaruizawa Station: Stone Church, Karuizawa Kogen Church, Harunire Terrace.

  • Rail Pass: A JR Rail Pass is valid for travel between Nagano and Karuizawa Stations. To get from Karuizawa to Nakakaruizawa a separate ticket is required.

6. Nakatsugawa-juku & Ochiai-juku.

 

The historic post-towns of Nakatsugawa-juku and Ochiai-juku both lie within walking distance of a train station. The two towns are also not far from one another making it easy to do both in a day. 

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  • Journey Duration: The journey from Matsumoto Station to Nakatsugawa Station will take around 1 hour and 20 minutes by Shinkansen with the train onto Ochiaigawa taking less than 5 minutes. 

  • Highlights - Nagatsugawa Station: Alight at Nagatsugawa Station for Nagatsu-juku (historic post-town)

  • Highlights - Ochiaigawa Station: Alight at Ochiaigawa Station for Ochiai-juku (historic post-town). 

  • Rail Pass: A JR Rail Pass can be used for travel on this trip.

  • Bonus Tip: Those also hoping to explore the post town of Magome-juku can take the Magome bus from stand 3 of the Nakatsugawa Eki-mae bus station and alight at the last stop.  ​​​​​

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