Unveiling Nagano's Fall Colors and Starry Skies: A 3-Day Journey

Konnichiwa! 🎎

Welcome to Moshi Moshi Travel Japan, your one-stop newsletter for discovering Japan's hidden gems and beauty. Our newsletter includes travel itineraries and tips for your upcoming and future trips to Japan. If you have any specific topics you'd like us to cover, questions, or need consultations about your travel to Japan, please get in touch with us at [email protected].

• Please support our sponsor and partners. They provide valuable information for you and me.

• If you enjoy this newsletter, please consider sharing it with your friends and family by clicking the button below. ⬇️

Imagine this: A tapestry of vibrant autumn leaves blankets the mountain slopes, the air is crisp and refreshing, and the starry sky above is so clear you feel you can reach out and touch it. This is Nagano in the fall, a hidden gem in central Japan's Chūbu region. Often overshadowed by more famous destinations, Nagano offers a unique blend of serene landscapes, historic sites, and world-class facilities for outdoor sports. This 3-day itinerary invites you to experience the best of Nagano's fall foliage, explore historic samurai towns, and marvel at the starry night sky from Japan's highest ropeway station.

Nagano Prefecture, located in central Japan’s Chūbu region, is a treasure trove of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventures. Often overshadowed by more famous destinations, Nagano offers a unique blend of serene landscapes, historic sites, and world-class facilities for outdoor sports. Here’s a deeper look into what makes Nagano a must-visit destination:

Geography and Climate

Nagano Prefecture is renowned for its mountainous terrain, including the Japanese Alps (Northern, Central, and Southern). This diverse topography creates a range of climates, from snowy winters perfect for skiing and snowboarding to mild summers ideal for hiking and exploring. Lush forests, clear rivers, and picturesque lakes characterize the prefecture.

• Winter: Nagano experiences heavy snowfall, especially in the mountainous areas, making it a popular destination for winter sports.

• Summer: The climate is cooler compared to other regions, making it pleasant for outdoor activities and escaping the summer heat of Japan’s cities.

• Autumn: The vibrant fall foliage transforms the landscape into a breathtaking palette of red, orange, and yellow hues.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Nagano has a rich cultural history and is home to several historical sites:

• Zenkoji Temple: Located in Nagano City, this ancient Buddhist temple is one of Japan’s most significant pilgrimage sites. The temple's main hall is believed to house a sacred statue of the Buddha, and it attracts thousands of visitors each year.

• Matsumoto Castle: Known as one of Japan’s most beautiful original castles, Matsumoto Castle is an iconic structure with a distinctive black exterior. It is a designated National Treasure and provides a glimpse into Japan’s feudal era.

• Narai-juku: This well-preserved post town on the Nakasendo Trail offers a window into Japan’s Edo-period history. The traditional wooden buildings and streets create an authentic atmosphere reminiscent of the past.

Getting There

Nagano is accessible from major Japanese cities:

• By Shinkansen: The Nagano Shinkansen (bullet train) connects Tokyo with Nagano City in about 1.5 hours. It also provides access to other areas within the prefecture.

• By Car: Renting a car is a convenient option for exploring the more remote areas of Nagano and enjoying scenic drives.

• By Bus: Several long-distance buses connect Nagano with major cities, offering an economical travel option.

Trip Highlights

• Relax with a stay at an onsen town and experience the tranquility of Hirugami Onsen.

• Take a riverboat through Tenryu Gorge to immerse yourself in stunning autumn colors.

• Ride a ropeway to Japan’s highest ropeway station for unparalleled night sky views.

• Explore the samurai-era post-town of Narai-juku, framed by fall leaves.

• Photograph Matsumoto Castle against a backdrop of vibrant autumn foliage.

Itinerary

Day 1: Hirugami Onsen and Star Village Achi

• Travel to Hirugami Onsen
  From Nagoya: 1 hour 50 minutes by express bus.
  From Tokyo (Shinjuku): 4 hours by express bus to Iida, then 30 minutes by local bus.

• 15:00 Arrive at Hirugami Onsen
  Check in to your hot spring ryokan and settle in.

• Explore Hirugami Onsen
  Enjoy the riverside path and onsen bath.
  Have an early dinner at your inn.

• Star Village Achi Stargazing Tour

  

  
  Take the shuttle bus and gondola lift to Star Village Achi at 1,400 meters for a stunning view of the night sky.

Stay at: Hirugami Onsen ryokan

Day 2: Tenryu River and Senjojiki Cirque

• 6:50 Depart Hirugami Onsen
  Take the local bus to Iida Station (35 min.).

• 7:40 Depart Iida Station
  Take the JR Iida Line train to Tenryukyo Station (31 min.).

• 8:15 Tenryu Gorge
  Walk along the gorge and cross the thrilling suspension bridge.

• 9:20 Tenryu Line Kudari Boat Tour
  Enjoy a 50-minute cruise through Tenryu Gorge, observing traditional net fishing and rock formations.

• 10:55 Depart Tenryukyo Station
  Take the JR Iida Line train to Komagane Station (135 min.).

• 13:00 Depart Komagane Station
  Take the bus to Shirabidaira Station (45 min.).

• 14:00 Depart Shirabidaira Station on the Komagatake Ropeway
  Reach Senjojiki Station at 2,612 meters for breathtaking views and autumn colors.

Stay at: Hotel Senjojiki (Senjojiki Cirque) or Hayataro Onsen

Day 3: Hayataro Onsen, Narai-juku, and Matsumoto Castle

• 8:00 Depart for Suganodai Bus Center
  Take the Komagatake Ropeway and bus down (52 min.) or walk from Hayataro Onsen.

• Explore Hayataro Onsen
  Enjoy a scenic walk along the river and a soak in the alkaline hot spring.

• Komagane Sauce Katsudon
  Try this local dish famous for its special sweet sauce at Meijitei.

• 10:22 Depart Suganodai Bus Center
  Take the bus to Komagane Station (16 min.).

• 10:54 Depart Komagane Station
  Travel to Okaya Station (64 min.), then Shiojiri Station (11 min.), and Narai Station (24 min.).

• Narai-juku
  Stroll through this historic post-town, famous for its preserved samurai-era buildings and autumn colors.

• 15:57 Depart Narai Station
  Take the JR Chuo Line train to Matsumoto Station (52 min.).

• 16:48 Arrive at Matsumoto Station
  Walk to Matsumoto Castle (15 min.).

End of Itinerary: Enjoy the castle’s black keep against vibrant fall foliage. Consider exploring further or heading back to Nagoya or Tokyo.

Tips for Your Journey

• Book Early: Secure accommodations and transportation in advance to ensure a smooth trip.

• Pack Appropriately: Bring comfortable walking shoes and layers to accommodate changing weather.

• Embrace Local Culture: Respect local customs, especially when visiting onsen facilities.

Start Your Nagano Adventure Today!

Ready to explore Nagano's stunning fall colors and starry skies? Contact us to plan your trip and discover the best of this beautiful region. Subscribe to our newsletter for more travel tips and updates on Japan’s top destinations!

Subscribe to our newsletter for more travel inspiration and updates, and contact us to plan your 2024 journey!

We're here to help you plan your Japan trip based on your preferences and budget. It's free—message us at [email protected], but don't forget to subscribe! ⬇️ 

That’s it for this episode!

Thank you so much for reading today’s email! Your support is the only way I can write this email for free daily.

Kindly give us feedback in the poll below and share the newsletter with other investors if you find it valuable!

Useful Links

Journey to the Hot Spring Village from the Tale of Hayataro, the Spirit Dog