Enthralling Winter Scenery of Nagano
In 2020, we had a wild adventure in Nagano, a region selected by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) for promotion due to its recovery from typhoons. We invited 20 international folk residing in Japan to join us on this exquisite journey, and one of them was me – Tiffany, a Masters student in Global Studies living in Tokyo.
Day 1:
Tokyo to Iiyama:
Punched the clock at 8 am from the bustling Tokyo station.Swapped the city roar for quieter melodies of Iiyama, a mere 100-minute ride via the speedy shinkansen (reserve here or buy same-day at JR EAST Travel Service Center, open 7:30 - 20:30 daily).Dropped off luggage in station lockers (priced between ¥400 to ¥700).A stimulating bento box, filled with local Japanese delicacies, fueled my journey (available at Tokyo station's ticket gate).
Iiyama to Kamakura Snow Dome Village:
A 15-minute taxi ride from Iiyama station led me to the unique Kamakura Snow Dome Village.Witnessed the local spirit during winter (end Jan to Feb) as they craft snow huts and serve mouthwatering noroshi nabe (hot pot) made with delicious locally-produced ingredients.I suggest reserving for 2 or more people to savor this wintertime delight. Despite recent global warming effects, Nagano's snowfall has steadily increased, ensuring business continues as usual.
Kamakura Snow Dome Village to Madarao Mountain Resort:
Hopped on an easily accessible bus outside the snow dome for Madarao Mountain Resort, famous for its winter sports trails for beginners, intermediates, and experts.Though far from a snow pro, I reveled in the chance to grasp the basics with ski and snowboard schools for non-Japanese speakers.
Overnight at Madarao Kanko Hotel:
After a day of adventure, I rested easy in Madarao Kanko Hotel, a cozy tatami-styled retreat.Fell asleep to the symphony of delicious, unforgettable dishes served with warmth and smiles.
Day 2:
Madarao Mountain Resort to Nagano city:
Climbed the slopes of Madarao Mountain Resort with a heart full of excitement.Gear rentals made hitting the powder a breeze.
Nagano City:
Savoring delectable Nagano oyaki – traditional snacks – led me to explore the Zenkoji town.Lost in time in quaint streets steeped in old-world charm.Admired Zenkoji Temple, a cultural treasure dating back centuries.Indulged my sweet tooth with 善光寺ぷりん (Zenkoji Purin) – five diverse flavored puddings – and Beni-Beni’s scrumptious custard apple pie.
A fascinating blend of unparalleled natural beauty, rich cultural history, and warm local spirit unfolded before me as Nagano welcomed me with open arms. From dining in enchanting igloos to challenging my limits with winter sports, this exhilarating adventure left an impression I'll cherish forever.
Are you tempted to explore Nagano yourself? Start crafting memories in this hidden gem by visiting our website today. Happy traveling!
In the heart of Nagano, I embarked on a mesmerizing journey, starting with purchasing skiing tickets for Madarao Mountain Resort, known for its diverse trails.
Throughout my wanderings, I immersed myself in the captivating events and experiences, like tasting the region's traditional food-and-drink offerings, such as Nagano oyaki and Zenkoji Purin.
While embracing the thrill of the winter sports on the slopes, I also shared moments of cultural discovery, marveling at the historic Zenkoji Temple and the beautiful, charm-laden streets of Zenkoji town.
As a part of my itinerary, I indulged in the unique experience of dining in an igloo, savoring local dishes and fostering connections with locals, enriching my understanding of the local lifestyle and customs.
My exploration of Nagano revealed a harmonious blend of nature, history, and vibrant food culture, making for an unforgettable travel experience that I highly recommend to all adventurers and food lovers alike.
