[ad_1]
Nagano: A City of Tranquility and Beauty
Nagano, located in the central part of Japan, is a city that boasts of beautiful scenery and rich culture. This mountainous paradise is famous as a winter sports destination but has so much more to offer than just skiing and snowboarding. As a National Geography journalist, here is my experience of Nagano.
Scenery and Highlights
Nagano is surrounded by stunning mountains, pristine lakes, and picturesque valleys. The natural beauty of the city is breathtaking, and the peaceful atmosphere is a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of city life. One of the most striking features of the city is the Zenko-ji Temple, a 7th-century temple with exquisitely crafted architecture and an enchanting history.
What I Like and Dislike
I loved the serenity of Nagano and the friendly locals always ready to help. The only drawback was the language barrier as English is not widely spoken; however, it was not a significant issue with the help of translation apps.
Average Cost of Living
The average cost of living in Nagano is moderate. A basic meal costs around ¥1000 or $9 USD, while budget accommodation is around $30-40 USD per night.
Top 20 Points of Interest
1. Zenko-ji Temple: 491 Motoyoshicho, Nagano 380-0851, Japan
2. Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum: 836 Nishishichikencho, Nagano 380-0935, Japan
3. Takato Castle Ruins Park: 1011 Takatomachi, Ina, Nagano 396-0211, Japan
4. Daio Wasabi Farm: 5257 Hotaka, Azumino, Nagano 399-8303, Japan
5. Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park: 6845 Yamanouchi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano 381-0401, Japan
6. Azumino Chihiro Art Museum: 828-57 Kamiishii, Azumino, Nagano 399-8205, Japan
7. Matsumoto Castle: 4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-0873, Japan
8. Kamikochi: Kamikochi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-1502, Japan
9. Kiso Valley: Kiso District, Nagano, Japan
10. Zenko-ji Homotsukan Museum: 484 Motoyoshicho, Nagano 380-0851, Japan
11. Togakushi Shrine Okusha: Togakushi, Nagano 381-4101, Japan
12. Suzaka Hachiman Shrine: 4-11-18 Maemachi, Suzaka, Nagano 382-0076, Japan
13. Katakura Hall: 1075 Minaminagano, Nagano 380-0821, Japan
14. Komagane Kogen resort Linde: 4223 Azumi, Komagane, Nagano 399-4116, Japan
15. Fukushima-Daishoin Temple: 299 Fukushima, Iida, Nagano 395-0801, Japan
16. Hakuba Happo-one Ski Resort: Hokujo, Hakuba, Kitaazumi-gun, Nagano 399-9301, Japan
17. Tateshina Bear Club: 3716-2 Nakayama Tateshina, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano 389-0300, Japan
18. Naraijuku: Naraijuku 417-4, Shiojiri, Nagano 399-6502, Japan
19. Nakamachi-dori: Nakamachi-dori, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-0878, Japan
20. Omachi City Museum of Art: 2915-1 Toyoshina, Omachi, Nagano 398-0005, Japan
Top 20 Street Foods
1. Oyaki (Steamed Buns) – ¥100 each
2. Onigiri (Rice Balls) – ¥100 each
3. Taiyaki (Fish-Shaped Waffle) – ¥100 each
4. Miso Soup – ¥100 per bowl
5. Tempura – ¥200 per serving
6. Soba Noodles – ¥300 per bowl
7. Yakitori (Grilled Chicken Skewers) – ¥100 each
8. Nikumaki-Onigiri (Rice Wrapped in Meat) – ¥200 per piece
9. Tsukemono (Pickled Vegetables) – ¥100 per serving
10. Katsu Sando (Deep Fried Pork Cutlet Sandwich) – ¥500 each
11. Imagawayaki (Red Bean Pancakes) – ¥150 each
12. Takoyaki (Octopus Balls) – ¥300 per serving
13. Okonomiyaki (Savory Pancake) – ¥500 per serving
14. Gyoza (Pan-Fried Dumplings) – ¥200 per serving
15. Karage (Fried Chicken) – ¥200 per serving
16. Korokke (Croquets) – ¥200 per piece
17. Yakisoba (Stir-Fried Noodles) – ¥500 per serving
18. Curry Rice – ¥500 per serving
19. Tamago-Nigiri (Egg Sushi) – ¥200 per piece
20. Ramen – ¥700 per bowl
Top 10 Hotels and Airbnbs
Hotels:
1. Hotel Metropolitan Nagano: $90 USD per night (4.4/5)
2. Hotel Sunroute Nagano-Higashiguchi: $75 USD per night (4.2/5)
3. Dormy Inn Nagano Zenkounoyu: $70 USD per night (4.4/5)
4. Hotel Nagano Avenue: $60 USD per night (4.1/5)
5. Hotel Kokusai 21 Nagano: $50 USD per night (4.2/5)
Airbnbs:
1. Traditional Japanese House: $70 USD per night (4.9/5)
2. Cozy Apartment in Downtown: $60 USD per night (4.8/5)
3. Private Room with Mountain View: $50 USD per night (4.7/5)
4. Modern Studio with Kitchenette: $40 USD per night (4.6/5)
5. Budget-Friendly Private Room: $30 USD per night (4.5/5)
Top 5 Reasonable Stays
1. Traditional Japanese House Airbnb: A unique experience in a traditional Japanese house at an affordable price of $70 USD per night.
2. Cozy Apartment in Downtown Airbnb: A comfortable yet budget-friendly option in the heart of the city at $60 USD per night.
3. Hotel Nagano Avenue: An excellent accommodation option with a central location and reasonable price of $60 USD per night.
4. Dormy Inn Nagano Zenkounoyu: A relaxing and budget-friendly option with onsen facilities, priced at $70 USD per night.
5. Hotel Kokusai 21 Nagano: An affordable option for travelers that are looking for less expensive rooms but want to stay in the downtown area of Nagano at only $50 USD per night.
Travel Package Guide – 3 Day Trip
Day 1:
1. Zenko-ji Temple
2. Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum
3. Daio Wasabi Farm
4. Katakura Hall
5. Suzaka Hachiman Shrine
– Recommended food nearby: Try the Oyaki (Steamed Buns) at Daio Wasabi Farm and enjoy traditional Japanese meals at the local restaurants in Suzaka.
Day 2:
1. Matsumoto Castle
2. Kamikochi
3. Tateshina Bear Club
4. Narijuku
5. Nakamachi-dori
– Recommended food nearby: Soba noodles by the river at Kamikochi and street food at Nakamachi-dori.
Day 3:
1. Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
2. Togakushi Shrine Okusha
3. Fukushima-Daishoin Temple
4. Omachi City Museum of Art
5. Azumino Chihiro Art Museum
– Recommended food nearby: Ramen at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and imagawayaki (Red Bean Pancakes) at the Azumino Chihiro Art Museum.
Bottom Line
Nagano is a city that offers something for every traveler looking for adventure, nature, and tranquility. With an abundance of natural beauty, rich culture, and affordable accommodation and food, Nagano is worth exploring. Overall, I would give Nagano a rating of 9 out of 10 stars for its beauty, culture, and affordability.
[ad_2]