Things to do in  Nagano Prefecture

If you’ve been captivated by photos of furry macaques sitting in steaming hot water, surrounded by snow, head to the Jigokudani Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen Koen). Located in the Joshinetsu-Kogen National Park, in Nagano Prefecture, this is believed to be the only place in the world where monkeys bathe in hot springs

Among the most important religious sites in Japan, the renowned Zenkoji Temple houses one of the first Buddhist statues brought to the country after the introduction of the religion in the 6th century. For hundreds of years, the city of Nagano developed around the temple, which shows a replica of the statue to the public every six years.

The Nakasendo Way is an ancient 331-mile (534-kilometer trail connecting Kyoto and Tokyo that was once frequented by samurai and traders. These days, a shorter 5-mile (8-kilometer walking trail connecting the villages of Tsumago and Magome, through the Kiso Valley in Nagano Prefecture, is a popular day hike. This shorter section offers visitors an opportunity to experience history, culture, and beautiful nature on an easy hike.

Located at the base of Shiga Kogen, Yudanaka Onsen is a popular hot springs resort with a history dating back more than 1,300 years. Visitors come to this charming, traditional town to soak in a variety of hot spring baths, or onsens. Yudanaka Onsen also offers easy access to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park.