Discover the best travel guides, tips, and experiences for Nagano
Garyu Park in Nagano, listed among Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots, holds its annual Sakura Festival from April 1 to 19, 2026, featuring around 600 blooming trees, nightly pond illuminations, and a commemorative card with local shop benefits.
BEB5 Karuizawa by Hoshino Resorts and wellness company suwaru are hosting a 1-night, 2-day retreat in the Karuizawa Hoshino Area, featuring yoga, meditation, forest bathing, and flying squirrel watching in the fresh greenery of May.
On April 25, 2026, a one-day-only special event called "Forest Photo Session to Encounter Birds' Gaze" debuts at the Karuizawa Hoshino Area. Using the latest AI-powered camera technology, even beginners can capture stunning shots of wild birds in the spring forest.
The Hana-Momo Festival in Achi Village's Tsukigawa Onsen "Hana-Momo no Sato" runs from April 15 to May 5, 2026, showcasing around 5,000 flower peach trees in three vibrant colors across a scenic mountain valley.
The beloved Nama Dorayaki series from Azumino Tea Kochouan, a Nagano-based confectionery brand, has received a refreshed packaging design across its three flagship flavors.
Confectionery maker Morozoff has partnered with Yawataya Isogoro, one of Japan's three great shichimi chili pepper makers, to launch "Shichimi Arcadia" — a new spin on the beloved Arcadia cookie — available first at Nagano Tokyu Department Store from March 26, 2026.
TSUCHIYA KABAN is releasing a new women's bag series called "Maraison" on March 26, 2026. The collection features two styles — a large-capacity tote and a 2-way mini tote — each available in three colors.
The Japanese tea cafe brand Saryo Itoen is opening a new location within the Zenkoji temple grounds in Nagano City, featuring exclusive matcha sweets and a selection of Japanese tea drinks.
A limited-edition collaboration tin combining Nagano's long-established spice shop Yawataya Isogoro with the beloved Suica Penguin character goes on sale at NewDays convenience stores across Nagano Prefecture on March 14, 2026.
Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort has announced plans to renew its No. 5 South Lift — connecting the summit area with the Hakuba Hitotoki no Mori observation area — for the first time in approximately 37 years, with operations set to begin in December 2027.
The bakery cafe "dacō" (Dako) opens inside Karuizawa Bookstore on Saturday, March 7. With around 50 types of freshly baked bread and 30 types of drinks, it offers bite-sized pastries perfect to enjoy alongside a good book in a nature-rich setting.
Koupen-chan collaboration print cookies and print manju go on sale from March 2, 2026, available exclusively at souvenir shops in Nagano Prefecture and across six Tohoku prefectures.
TINY GARDEN FESTIVAL 2026 returns to the lakeside campground in Tateshina, Nagano for three days from June 5 to 7. Singer-songwriter Orisaka Yuta has been confirmed as the first featured performer, with tickets going on sale March 7, 2026.
Italian & Wine Bar CONA is hosting "Ohanami Bar 2026" from March 1 to April 30, 2026, where guests can enjoy full-bloom cherry blossom décor indoors alongside 5 spring-limited dishes featuring strawberries and cherry blossoms.
Two popular food brands from Fukuoka are opening their first locations in the Chubu region, with dacō launching inside Karuizawa Shoten and I'm donut ? at the newly opened Karuizawa T-SITE.
Mampei Hotel in Karuizawa has released a new herbal tea called "Dawn," inspired by the winter sunrise over Asama Mountain, combining hibiscus, rosehip, and ginger in an elegantly designed tin.
Forestana Karuizawa, the wedding venue at Karuizawa Prince Hotel, will hold a March-only bridal fair on weekends and public holidays from March 1 to 29, 2026, themed around mimosa flowers with free tastings, decorative displays, and more.
The NOK Kids Backcountry Tour 2026 returns for its fourth year with ten free sessions across Niigata, Aomori, Toyama, Gunma, and Nagano prefectures. A newly added Freeride Academy for junior athletes features coaching from Finnish snowboarding legend Antti Autti.
Two new varieties of Goka Apple Wine are now available in Achi Village, Nagano Prefecture. CYGNUS and PEGASUS join the existing lineup of seasonal wines named after constellations.
Akagi Nyugyo is hosting a free tasting event for Gatsun, to Mikan and the new Gatsun, to White Peach ice candy at Hakuba Happo-one Ski Resort from February 21-23, 2026.
Starting March 1, 2026, Karuizawa Marriott Hotel will offer a curated wine tasting experience featuring Nagano Prefecture wines selected by their sommelier excellence. The spring edition features three wines from Kusunoki Winery.
Matsubaya Furniture Store opens an exhibition featuring live-edge table slabs made from trees sourced within a 50km radius of Nagano City. Each piece comes with a complete story of its origin, from the mountain where it grew to the craftspeople who processed it.
Wendy's・First Kitchen introduces two luxurious burger items featuring black truffle sauce, white truffle oil, and creamy mozzarella cheese at select locations starting February 26th.
![Experience Nature, Food & Crafts in One Day: Park Supporter Trial Event at National Alps Azumino Park [Omachi-Matsukawa Area]](https://assets.hldycdn.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=webp,width=400,quality=75/fdea51bf-7b79-47a5-a708-b912ed408ff5.jpeg)
On March 15, the National Alps Azumino Park's Omachi-Matsukawa area will host a Park Supporter Trial Event for those interested in volunteer activities. Participants can experience hands-on programs to understand supporter roles and activities, while enjoying nature experiences, food preparation, and crafts firsthand.
Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza will host the KARUIZAWA SNOW FESTA on February 21-22, featuring snow play areas and a strawberry marché, followed by a Spring the Bargain sale from March 13-31 with up to 70% off at over 170 stores.
Maruyama Coffee will release a seasonal limited-edition coffee blend called "Marshmallow Blend" on February 15, 2026. This White Day special features a gentle cherry-like acidity and cashew nut richness with a light, fluffy texture reminiscent of marshmallows.
Plus One Education is hosting a 2-day ski tour in Karuizawa from February 28 to March 1, 2026, offering professional instruction from SAJ-certified instructors for elementary and junior high school students.
IHG One Rewards members who book the Azumino Chihiro Art Museum ticket package at ANA Holiday Inn Resort Shinano Omachi Kuroyon can receive exclusive hotel original towels. The campaign runs from February 12 to December 14, 2026, limited to the first 20 groups.
The spectacular projection mapping event illuminating Matsumoto Castle has attracted over 100,000 visitors, featuring dynamic displays of cherry blossoms, Northern Alps flowers, traditional crafts, and historic artwork projected onto Japan's oldest five-story castle tower.
A new wasabi-flavored mochi treat debuts in Azumino, Nagano, created through a collaboration between Minamiazumi Agricultural High School, Kochouan, and Daio Wasabi Farm.
L'OCCITANE Café has launched a seasonal collection of strawberry-inspired desserts, including the elegant Strawberry & Lavender Parfait and Croissant Waffle, available for a limited time.
Hotel Indigo Karuizawa celebrates its 4th anniversary with an exclusive accommodation plan featuring four special benefits including original merchandise, herb tea, extended stay hours, and breakfast buffet.
Fufu Karuizawa Yoko no Kaze introduces a new Japanese cuisine menu featuring local Karuizawa ingredients and traditional techniques, starting February 1, 2026.
The Hokusai-kan Museum celebrates its 50th anniversary with a special exhibition on dragons and phoenixes, featuring contemporary traditional craft artists responding to Hokusai's masterpieces through March 29.
On April 18, 2026, Hotel La Vigne Hakuba will host a special wine event bringing together winemakers from the Koshin Alps region, offering guests a unique opportunity to taste Japanese wines paired with spring-inspired French cuisine.
Original Mind releases the GOIGOI2, an upgraded desktop manual punch press that enables sheet metal punching without pilot holes. The tool features improved stability and ergonomics for effortless metalworking.
Asanoya unveils a new brand concept focusing on natural ingredients and premium quality, alongside a refreshed logo and relaunched versions of their iconic Karuizawa Raisin bread and house-made sourdough campagne.
A limited-time champagne terrace featuring Veuve Clicquot Rich on Ice opens at Hakuba Après, offering ski-in/ski-out access and stunning mountain views in Hakuba, Nagano.
A new boutique hotel, mont, has opened in Nozawa Onsen Village, Nagano Prefecture. The 100-year-old former inn has been fully renovated into a modern accommodation featuring a wood-fired restaurant and 10 unique guest rooms.
The maple sweets specialty store The MAPLE MANIA will be opening limited-time Valentine's pop-up shops at Sogo, Tokyu, and Takashimaya department stores across Japan from January to February 2026.
A special 1-night, 2-day camp for young train enthusiasts featuring accommodation in a real Azusa limited express train car, private chartered train experiences on Ueda Electric Railway, and a visit to Usui Pass Railway Heritage Park.
The popular Harapeko Cheesecake by Azumino Kochouan received the Excellence Award in the Sweets Division at the prestigious Bento & Deli Grand Prix 2026, selected from over 15,000 entries.
Mampei Hotel in Karuizawa offers a limited-time Classic Afternoon Tea from January 16 to March 19, 2026, featuring traditional sweets and revived signature dishes in their Main Dining Room with stunning winter garden views.
Takagi Coffee introduces a limited-time seasonal menu featuring homemade nama chocolate in pancakes, smoothies, and hazelnut lattes, available from January 16th at 9 locations across Japan.
From March 4 to May 31, 2026, Hoshinoya Karuizawa will offer a special strawberry-focused breakfast featuring three varieties of seasonal strawberries, including rare white and dark red varieties grown in the highland climate of Karuizawa.
Maruyama Coffee will release three types of New Year gift sets featuring colorful festive packaging, perfect for New Year greetings. The collection includes seasonal limited-edition medium and dark roast coffees, as well as convenient drip bag options.
Nakajo Roadside Station in Nagano City, Nakajo will launch limited-time dinner service from December 26, 2025 to January 31, 2026, addressing the "dinner refugee" issue during ski season while showcasing local specialty dish "Obukko."
ANA Holiday Inn Resort Shinano-Omachi Kuroyon launches a special mountain retreat stay plan limited to 2 groups per day, featuring natural hot spring rooms, Shinshu minibar selection, fermented face masks, and selectable breakfast at LASOIL restaurant. Perfect for autumn foliage and winter snow activities.
The spectacular winter light show returns to Matsumoto Castle in Nagano Prefecture for the 2025-2026 season, featuring dynamic projection mapping on one of Japan's oldest surviving castles from December 13, 2025 to February 15, 2026.
Bon Okawa Karuizawa Chocolate Factory introduces their newest product "Cacao Charm," featuring tiny animal-shaped chocolates with 9 different flavors, celebrating the four seasons and forest animals of Karuizawa.
A Sumikko Gurashi event will tour six cities across Japan starting November 7, 2025. The event features exclusive merchandise, photo spots with plush toys, and Japanese sweets-themed character illustrations.
Azumino Tea Kochouan introduces "Kahou Daifuku," a luxurious autumn confection featuring Nagano's premium grapes, Shine Muscat and Nagano Purple, wrapped in soft mochi for a jewel-like appearance.
The second location "Hatoya Asakusa" of Kyoto-originated Japanese tea stand "Hatoya Ryoyousha" will make its first appearance at Nagano Tokyu Department Store for 7 days only from September 18 to 24, 2025.
A new exclusive after-hours private viewing plan becomes available at Karuizawa Ando Museum for guests staying at "fufu Karuizawa Yoko no Kaze" and "fufu Kyukaruizawa Seiyou no Mori"
Starting September 1, 2025, Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort will offer a joint season pass with neighboring Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort, plus expanded heli-skiing tours and facility improvements.
If you are sightseeing, you would want to include things in your itinerary that can only be seen or experienced during that specific time of year, right? This time, we introduce the conditions, events, and recommended spots in “Nagano Prefecture” in September for those who are interested. *Please note that the dates of the events […]
When you plan a trip, you often want to include experiences or sights that are unique to the season. This article is for those who are interested in what Nagano Prefecture has to offer in October, including events, recommended spots, and more. Please note that the dates for the events mentioned may change. Check the […]
When sightseeing, you want to include things in your itinerary that you can only see or experience during that specific time, right? This time, we will introduce the situation, events, and recommended spots in Nagano Prefecture in February for those who are looking for such experiences. *Please note that the dates of the events introduced […]
If you’re traveling, you’ll want to include things in your itinerary that you can only see or experience during that specific time. This time, we will introduce the situation, events, and recommended spots in Nagano Prefecture in March for those who are interested. *The events introduced may be subject to schedule changes. Please check the […]
When traveling, you want to include experiences and sights that are unique to that specific time of year, right? This time, we will introduce the November events, recommended spots, and the overall situation in Nagano Prefecture for those who are interested. *Please note that the dates of the events introduced may change. Please check the […]
If you’re going sightseeing, you naturally want to include things in your itinerary that you can only see or experience during that specific time. This time, we will introduce the situation, events, and recommended spots in Nagano Prefecture in December for those who are interested. Please note that the event schedules introduced may change. Please […]
If you’re planning to go sightseeing, you probably want to include things in your itinerary that you can only see or experience during that specific time of year. In this article, we’ll introduce the situation, events, and recommended spots for January in Nagano Prefecture for those looking for unique experiences. Please note that the dates […]
Summary This time, a day trip to Shinanomachi in Nagano Prefecture to enjoy local cuisine and nature! Shinanomachi can be reached by train from Tokyo in 2 hours and 20 minutes, so it can be enjoyed as a day trip ✨ The water, vegetables, and rice are delicious, and most importantly, the air is delicious! […]
Japanese castles attract a great deal of attention both in Japan and abroad for their history and their grandeur and beauty. This article introduces 11 of the many famous castles located throughout Japan. We recommend visiting them when you travel to Japan to enjoy learning about each castle’s historical role and background, and experience the […]
Summary This time we went to Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture: ‼️ Relax from the core with a luxurious time in a private sauna in the snowy wilderness! ❄️☺️ Then, after staying at a pension that will fill your heart and stomach, get up early on the second day and go wakasagi fishing ❕🐟. I enjoyed fishing […]