Nagano prefecture is located in the middle of Japan's main island (honshu), and Nagano-city is situated about 120 miles northwest of Tokyo. You probably remeber the excitement of Nagano Winter Olympics and Paralympics in 1998. To get to Nagano-city from Tokyo, take a shinkansen train, Asama. It connects Tokyo and Nagano-city within 1 hour and 40 minutes.
The most famous tourist attraction in Nagano-city is Zenkoji temple, which is located on a hill in the city. Zenkoji temple was built to house the first image of Budda brought to Japan more than 1,300 years ago. It attracts millions of visitors every year. There are 39 shukubo (temple lodging) in the Zenkoji area. Staying at a shukubo can be an interesting experience for foreign visitors. (Zenkoji shukubo association 026-234-3591)
Nagano is known for its delicious soba (buckwheat noodles). You can find many soba restaurants in Nagano. Try to eat soba dishes.
While you are visiting Nagano-city, you might want to go to see the famous snow monkeys. You can visit them at Jigokudani Yaen-Koen (Hell Valley Wild Monkey Park) in Yamanouchi-town. The "hot-tubbing" snow monkeys will add a heart warming memory to your trip.
Also, there are many snow resorts and onsen hot springs in Nagano as well.
If you would like to visit some of the places used for the Olympics, go to Big Hat, M-Wave, and White Ring.
