Last winter, I went back to Japan to watch The Eras Tour in Tokyo. But of course, we’re talking about Japan here—so our trip wasn’t just about attending a concert; we also indulged in some unforgettable winter experiences.
My first winter trip to Japan was in Hokkaido. We spent several days exploring the prefecture, and as someone who lives in a tropical country, it truly felt like stepping into a winter wonderland.
For this trip, my friend Milet (@projectgora) suggested that we visit Nagano as one of the legs of our journey.
In this blog, I’ll focus on what we did in Nagano and how we made it happen.
Getting to Nagano with the Hokuriku Arch Pass
We traveled to Nagano from Kanazawa using the Hokuriku Arch Pass.
What is the Hokuriku Arch Pass?
The Hokuriku Arch Pass is a Japan Rail pass designed specifically for foreign tourists visiting Japan. Just like the famous JR Pass, it offers unlimited travel on JR trains, including the Hokuriku Shinkansen, for a consecutive 7-day period.
The pass includes the use of JR trains between Tokyo and Osaka via the Hokuriku Shinkansen. It is also valid on JR trains in central Osaka and central Tokyo, including JR trains to Tokyo's Narita and Osaka's Kansai Airport and the Tokyo Monorail to Tokyo's Haneda Airport.
You can buy your Hokuriku Arch Pass through KLOOK Travel App or KKDAY
Use my KLOOK CODE: KENNETHSURATKLOOK to get discounts on activities and accommodations when using KLOOK on your travels
Use my KKDAY K-KODE: KENKK10 to get discounts on activities when using KKDAY on your travels
If you’re planning to explore this region within a week, this pass is a fantastic option. (More details about the Hokuriku Arch Pass will be covered in a separate blog!)
Arriving in Nagano
We arrived at Nagano Station amidst a snowstorm and headed straight to our hotel. Luckily, we chose one just a short walk from the station—a blessing given the weather conditions.
Where We Stayed:
Use code: KENNETHSURATKLOOK to get discount on accommodations when booking via KLOOK Travel
Highlights of Our Nagano Adventure
Togakushi Shrine
I’d say this was the highlight of our trip. Togakushi Shrine is renowned for its towering cedar trees, which are stunning year-round but feel especially magical in winter.
This spot is so picturesque that one of my photos taken here became one of my most popular TikTok posts to date.
Getting There:
- From Nagano Station, take bus #70 or #71 to the Okusha Stop.
- Travel time is approximately an hour. (Though in better weather conditions, it might be faster.)
What to Expect:
- Note: IC cards didn’t work on Nagano’s public buses during our visit. We had to pay in cash (1,450 yen one way), which caused a brief panic—but thankfully, we had enough on hand.
- During winter, get off at the Chūsha Stop and walk 1.5 km to the Okusha Trail. While we initially got lost, Google Maps and some friendly Japanese restaurant owners saved the day.
After trudging along what felt like an endless snowy trail, we finally reached the famous Zuishinmon Gate. Maybe because to the snowstorm the day before, we had the area almost entirely to ourselves for a while. It was pure magic.
On our way back, we stopped for a hot bowl of soba, a local specialty. We ended up at the same restaurant where we had asked for directions earlier—a delightful way to "repay" their kindness. The hot soba was just what we needed: nourishment for the long walk and warmth for the chilly weather. Such a perfect day!
Tip: Heading back was much easier—we found the correct bus stop and returned to Nagano Station without a hitch.
Use my KLOOK CODE: KENNETHSURATKLOOK to get discounts on activities and accommodations when using KLOOK on your travels
Use my KKDAY K-KODE: KENKK10 to get discounts on activities when using KKDAY on your travels
Jigokudani Monkey Park
The next day, we visited another iconic destination: Jigokudani Monkey Park (地獄谷野猿公園, Jigokudani Yaen Kōen). The main draw? Seeing Japanese snow monkeys soaking in natural hot springs up close.
Getting There:
- From Nagano Station, it’s an easy bus ride. We bought round-trip tickets directly at the bus stop.
Costs:
- Admission fee: 800 yen
- Crampons: A must-have for the icy trail (and absolutely worth it).
What to Expect:
The trek to the hot springs was quite the adventure, but the crampons made it manageable. Seeing the snow monkeys up close felt surreal, especially against the serene winter backdrop—a truly unforgettable experience.
While there are several hot spring accommodations nearby, we chose to stay in Nagano’s city center. On our way back, we grabbed a hot sweet potato from a street vendor, rounding off the day on a cozy note.
Final Thoughts
Nagano offered us a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation. From the mystical Togakushi Shrine to the playful snow monkeys of Jigokudani, every moment felt like stepping into a winter postcard. If you’re planning a trip to Japan in the winter, Nagano should definitely be on your list!
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links and promo codes. While this doesn’t affect your experience, using codes like KENNETHSURATKLOOK for KLOOK Travel and KENKK10 for KKDAY can give you extra discounts on activities and accommodations!
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