In 2005, the Special Olympics World Winter Games were held in
Nagano where the 1998 Winter Olympics and Paralympics were held. It was the 8th Special Olympics World Winter Games. About 2,000 athletes from more than 80 countries participated in the events.
Dates: February 26 - March 5, 2005
Events:
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Alpine skiing, cross country skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing in Shiga Kogen, Hakuba, and Iizuna.
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Speed skating and figure skating at the M-Wave and the Big Hat in Nagano-city.
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Floor hockey at White Ring in Nagano-city.
The most famous attraction in Nagano is
Zenkouji Temple, which is located in Nagano-city. Zenkouji temple was built to house the first image of Budda brought to Japan more than 1300 years ago. The Japanses artitechture and gardens are worth seeing. Also, the famous
Japanese snow monkeys are living at
Hell Valley Wild Monkey Park near Nagano-city.
Access:
Nagano is located in the middle of Japan's main island and is 120 miles northwest of Tokyo.
To get to Nagano-city from Tokyo, take Shinkansen Asama trains. It takes about 1 hour and 40 min from Tokyo.
Free Email Course: Japan for the First Time.
