The only read you’ll need! Nagano Prefecture: a Guide to the Best of all Four Seasons

The only read you’ll need! Nagano Prefecture: a Guide to the Best of all Four Seasons
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Written by GOOD LUCK TRIP
Head Editor : Nagano Prefecture

Enjoying Winter in Nagano.

Truly unforgettable snowy landscapes seen from the high-altitude summit! Count on Nagano for the best of snow activities and pristine snow. Here are a few areas to slot in for skiing, snowboarding, and other thrills to love outside.

The Ryuoo Ski Park in Yamanouchi Town brings you to the best of snow activities, all with a view of the mountains of Nagano.
The Ryuoo Ski Park in Yamanouchi Town brings you to the best of snow activities, all with a view of the mountains of Nagano.

[Chino City] The Pilatus Tateshina Snow Resort awaits with frost-covered trees and diamond dust.

This comprehensive ski resort boasts one of the highest elevations in the country and a 4 km ski run. Suitable for beginners to advanced skiers, it offers a variety of courses for skiing and snowboarding. Step up for a sight like none before, with Japan's three major mountain ranges and the ethereal mystique of frost-covered trees met with rime ice, and diamond dust. Snowshoeing through the silver world at an elevation of 2,237 meters is also recommended.

Breathtaking panoramic view from the mountain summit.
Breathtaking panoramic view from the mountain summit.

Details

Name in Japanese
ピラタス蓼科スノーリゾート
Postal Code
391-0301
Address
4035-2541 Kitayama, Chino City, Nagano
Telephone
0266-67-2009 (Main number)
Operating Period
Early December to early April, open daily.
Business Hours
9:00am - 4:00pm
Prices
One-day ticket - Adult 5,500 yen, Elementary school student 3,200 yen, Over 55 years old 4,200 yen, etc.
Access
From JR Chino Station, take a bus to "Kitayatsugatake Ropeway," then a 2-minute walk.
Credit Cards
Accepted
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)

[Yamanouchi Town] Ryuoo Ski Park is a ski resort to find a sea of clouds rolling beneath your feet from the mountaintop.

Ryuoo Ski Park boasts the largest elevation difference in Japan at 1,080 meters. Due to its high altitude, expect to find fluffy heaps of exquisite powder snow. With 18 courses categorized by difficulty level, the park caters to skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, from novice to advanced. Experienced skiers can challenge themselves on the steep "Kiotoshi Course" with a maximum incline of 36°. The sea of clouds viewed from the SORA Terrace at the top ropeway station is one stop you can’t forget.

Hit the slopes and take in the stunning views of the Nagano mountain range!
Hit the slopes and take in the stunning views of the Nagano mountain range!

[Karuizawa] The Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort offers fun for everyone from kids to advanced skiers.

The Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort, conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from Karuizawa Station, features 16 diverse courses suitable for all levels. Beginners can enjoy the gentle slopes of the Prince Course with a maximum gradient of 18°, while intermediate and advanced skiers can challenge themselves on the 900 m long Panorama Course. The resort also offers a sled-only slope and ski schools where beginners and children can learn skiing techniques, ensuring a fun and safe experience for all visitors.

Mount Asama in the distance with a light dusting of snow.
Mount Asama in the distance with a light dusting of snow.

[Ueda City] The Sugadaira Kogen Snow Resort offers a variety of snow activities.

The Sugadaira Kogen Snow Resort, one of Japan's leading snow resorts, features 60 courses spread across three areas. It's often referred to as "the Davos of Japan" due to its Swiss-like scenery. The resort is popular not only for skiing and snowboarding but also for its guided tours on snow vehicles, which offer an exhilarating downhill experience over approximately 4 kilometers. The 360-degree panoramic view from the summit of Mount Neko and the towering frost-covered trees offer a breathtaking spectacle.

Stunning landscapes at the “Davos of Japan”
Stunning landscapes at the “Davos of Japan”

[Saku City] Japan's only ski resort with direct access via a highway escalator. Saku Ski Garden PARADA

True to its aim of being "Japan's most family and beginner-friendly ski resort," it has newly opened a beginners' exclusive practice slope and a school-exclusive slope this season. The resort offers extensive school lessons, with daily high-quality instruction from top-level instructors.

Beginner-friendly slopes at North PARADA are ideal for comfortably getting used to the snow.
Beginner-friendly slopes at North PARADA are ideal for comfortably getting used to the snow.

[Nozawaonsen-mura] Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort is Japan’s largest ski slope, close to Nozawa Onsen with beautiful powder snow.

Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort, located in Nozawa Onsen Village, Nagano Prefecture, ranks among Japan's largest ski slopes. It provides the finest powder snow on more than 40 courses. The comfortable gondola is like a moving terrace in the sky. Glass covers it all the way around to give a sense of openness and an excellent view over Nozawa Onsen surrounding.

Many oversea skiers and snowboarders come, seeking the finest powder snow.
Many oversea skiers and snowboarders come, seeking the finest powder snow.

[Shinanomachi] Walk on the snow and explore the silvery world! Snowshoe Experience

Put on snowshoes designed for walking on snow and take a stroll! The snowshoes can be worn with any kind of shoes, including hiking shoes, making for an easy walking experience. If you join a guided tour, you will be glad to know that the tour guide will take you on a course suited to your fitness level and wishes.

You can walk at your own pace, so just relax and take pictures of the fantastic scenery!
You can walk at your own pace, so just relax and take pictures of the fantastic scenery!

Details

Name in Japanese
スノーシュー体験
Postal Code
389-1300
Address
Shinanomachi, Kamiminochigun, Nagano
Rental reception location: 3807-30 Nojiri, Shinanomachi, Kamiminochigun, Nagano
Telephone
026-255-3226(Shinanomachi Tourism Association)
Hours
Rental hours: (mid-December to March) 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Fee
Snowshoe rental from 500yen for half a day, from 700yen for one day
Access
10 minutes by car from the Shinanomachi Interchange on the Joshin-etsu Expressway
Credit Cards
Accepted
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)

[Iiyama City] Experience winter in Japan's heavy snowfall region! "Kamakura Village"

"Kamakura Village," where locals make about 20 various sizes of snow huts. During the day, enjoy sledding, and at night, be moved by the fantastical world with lights. The restaurant inside a kamakura is also a must-visit.

The "Kamakura Festival" is held annually on the first weekend of February.
The "Kamakura Festival" is held annually on the first weekend of February.

Details

Name in Japanese
かまくらの里
Postal Code
389-2418
Address
807-2 Kotobuki, Iiyama City, Nagano
Telephone
0269-62-7000 (Shinshu-shizenkyo Iiyama Station Tourist Information Office)
Closed
Always open during the season
Business Hours
Annually from late January to the end of February 10:00am - 7:45pm
Admission
Free
Access
About 15 minutes by taxi from JR Iiyama Station
Official Website
Official Website (English)

【Otarimura】 Dig up sweet cabbages from under 2m of snow. "The Experience of Harvesting Cabbages in the Snow"

The experience of harvesting cabbages in the snow is something you can only do in the village of Otari, which is in an area of heavy snowfall. You can enjoy the valuable experience of digging up cabbages from under about 2m of snow. Cabbages that grow in the snow are sweet and juicy as if they were fruits! After harvesting the cabbages, you can also enjoy a snack at a local farmhouse.

The experience will take about three hours. Participate in the event by taking proper precautions against the cold!
The experience will take about three hours. Participate in the event by taking proper precautions against the cold!

Details

Name in Japanese
雪中キャベツ収穫体験
Postal Code
399-9511
Address
Otari Nakadori Key Center, Nakadori, Nakatsuchi, Otarimura, Kitaazumigun, Nagano
Telephone
0261-82-2233 (Otari Village Tourism Federation, General Incorporated Association)
Period of the event
The end of January *The event may not be held depending on the weather and crop conditions.
Time
Advance reservation required (Time required: 3 hours)
Fee
About 5,000yen (includes the experience fee and charges for taking the cabbages home)
Access
Take a taxi from Nakatsuchi Station on the JR Oito Line.
Credit Cards
Accepted