Your simple guide to Nagano, Japan
Nagano is a city that isn’t really flooded with foreigners. We really enjoyed our time here, especially because we were in the mountains and close to the Northern Alps.
This blog post is a short sum of what to see and what to eat! If you have more time, we have other blog posts on Hakuba and Matsumoto, which are nearby towns in the Nagano Prefecture.
What to do:
Explore the streets of Nagano
Chuodori St. (Zenkoji-Omotesando St.) - long Main Street running up through the city. Lots of shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Zenkoji Temple - the most well-known destination in Nagano prefecture is this temple.
Behind the temple, you can make your way to Jidzukiyama Park. This park leads to the Hanekoma Path Trailhead and is an absolutely beautiful trail to walk on. You will be able to see the city of Nagano and also see the Northern Alps of Japan on the other side of Nagano at the Jidzukiyama Summit (733m). Entrance is free and open from April 1st - November 23rd.
Go to a Japanese Onsen in the mountains! The famous onsen Nozawa Onsen is located at the foot of Kenashi Mountain. If you have tattoos, you are out of luck!
Try the food in Nagano!
Soba - it is specifically called Shinshu Soba, Shinshu meaning - Nagano Prefecture. Locals make this by mixing buckwheat flour and wheat flour, adding water, and then kneading, stretching, and cutting
Mahoroba no Tuki- a famous Wagashi (traditional Japanese confections) of Shinshu Zenkoii Temple. A whole chestnut, representing a beautiful full moon, is folded over a filling of smooth chestnut paste covered with thin dough.
Sake - Japanese alcohol made by fermenting rice. The number of sake breweries in Nagano prefecture is the second most in Japan, and some breweries have more than 300 years of history.
Miso - Also known as, Shinshu miso. It is made from soybeans and rice koji. There are many different types of miso in Japan, but Nagano’s Shinshu miso is one of the top miso in the country.
Oyaki - Oyaki is a famous food in Nagano. Wrapping various vegetables in a dough made from flour. Each shop tastes different!
Basashi (horse sashimi) - is actually from the Kumamoto Prefecture, but is very popular here in the Nagano Prefecture. A true Japanese delicacy! Basashi can be found in many restaurants and is served alongside soy sauce, grated ginger, and garlic.
Apples - Apple season in Nagano runs from September to November. Widely known varieties including San-Fuji, Akibae, Orin, and Jonathan are grown in many orchards, along with local varieties including Shinano Sweet and Shinano Gold.
Coffee in Nagano
Foret Coffee - A small coffee shop on the main strip. Opens early, and also serves a chai tea latte! The owner is very nice!
Japan, 380-0832 Nagano, Higashigocho−21
Coffee Kagura - A coffee shop that was tucked away! (Watch your head as you go in!) You are able to choose your roast and brewing method for your coffee! Rustic atmosphere. Seating is limited.
518 Nagano, 381-0000, Japan
ODDO coffee - a small coffee stand that has some seating in the hallway. Specializes in pour-overs. Also sells roasted coffee beans.
Minamiishidocho-1423-5 Minaminagano, Nagano, 380-0824, Japan
Restaurants in Nagano
Pizzeria Castagna - This restaurant makes Neapolitan pizza from southern Italy, baked in a Naples kiln. Ingredients are carefully selected from the Nagano prefecture.
1317 Minaminagano, Nagano, 380-0824, Japan
Ramen Misoya - is quite famous, and known for being the best ramen in Nagano. May have to wait in line for about 30 minutes on busy nights.
Suehirocho-1362, Nagano, 380-0825, Japan
Sake Music - Where you can get horse, bear, boar, deer, and rabbit. The menu and service will only be in Japanese! We ordered various dishes and enjoyed every single one of them!
1418 - 1 Minaminagano, Nagano, 380-0824, Japan
KOREAN FOOD＆CHICKEN Yogiyo - A small Korean restaurant that serves Korean dishes and Korean chicken. Portions are much bigger than your average Japanese proportions. The chicken was really good and it took us back to Korea instantly!
Minamiishidocho-1326, Nagano, 380-0824, Japan
We hope this helps when you are traveling to Japan! Also, check out our destinations page to see an entire Google Maps for our best locations!
