Introducing Nagano
Nagano was front-and-centre on the world stage when it hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics, but this mountain-ringed prefectural capital has been around since the Kamakura period. Back then it was a temple town centred around the magnificent Zenkō-ji. The temple is still Nagano’s main attraction, drawing more than four million visitors every year.
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Since its brief flirtation with international fame, Nagano has reverted to its friendly small-town self, though it’s just a bit more worldly. It is also an important transport hub. Not surprisingly, the mountains surrounding the city offer superb recreational opportunities: skiing, hiking, soaking in onsen and exploring the region’s many mountain shrines.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Tips & articles
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Staff favourites: Doug's Japan
24 February 2010
It’s no secret that here at Lonely Planet we love to travel. We all develop soft spots for particular destinations,...
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RE: Traveling in Japan
by bamse 05 September 2011
There is also an excellent ukiyoe museum in Matsumoto if that's your cup of ocha. Not much besides this and the castle in my opinion.…
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RE: Tokyo Unique/Bizarre/Off-the beaten path
by separatormain 22 August 2011
When visit Japan. Don't forget:Shimoda, Hakone, Nagano, Matsumoto etc. There are many picturesque towns and many nice place.
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Re: Getting Japan rail pass whilst travelling
by katakanadian 03 August 2011
You can walk in off the street to get a JR East Pass. Check the website for which major stations sell them. It's useable from Nagano to…
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