2025 Shinano Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in April)

The Northern Alps is a series of snow-capped mountains in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, collectively known as the "Japan Alps", which attracts many mountaineering enthusiasts. In the past, climbers would enter the Tateyama area from Shinano Omachi to start their climbing activities and never stop in Shinano Omachi. In order to attract tourists to stay in Shinano Omachi, the local government curated an international art festival here. This art festival invites artists from different countries to come to the Omachi area to create works. The artists first get to know the environment and cultural elements of the area, and then create their works. Many of these artworks are placed in empty houses. There are more than 8 million empty houses in Japan, and many areas are gradually declining due to the aging population. One of the highlights of the art festival is to make use of unused empty houses to allow artists to create in a space. However, what I like most is to appreciate works in nature. Without the constraints of space, the works are more interesting. The 34 works of art at this art festival are scattered throughout the natural landscape of Shinano Omachi. The works took me to Omachi Onsen Village, Lake Kizaki of the Nishina Three Lakes, and Mt. Takagari. However, as a tourist, I can only look around with a tourist mentality. If I can participate in it, I will benefit the most. During the trip, I met Miaozi, a volunteer of the art festival from Taiwan. She had arrived before the art festival started and participated in the creation of artists. For example, the two works "Cloud Knot" and "Windy" are both collective works. In the process of collective creation, not only can the works be completed together, but also people can be connected in the process of creation. I have also participated in such collective creation in Hong Kong, and the results are very different from individual creations. #Japan #OverseasTravel #ShinanoOmachi #ArtTour #NorthAlpsInternationalArtFestival #LivingInTheCountry

#Earthboat Village Kurohime Earthboat Village Kurohime is an eco-friendly glamping retreat nestled in the serene forests of Shinano, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Designed for those seeking tranquility and a deep connection with nature, this village offers a unique blend of comfort and rustic charm.  🌿 Location & Atmosphere Situated at the foot of Mt. Kurohime, the village comprises 10 minimalist cabins—referred to as “Earthboats”—spread across a forested area with a tranquil pond. The absence of nearby man-made structures ensures a peaceful environment, where guests can immerse themselves in the sounds of nature, from rustling leaves to birdsong .  🏡 Accommodations Each Earthboat cabin is thoughtfully designed with natural pine interiors and large windows that frame views of the surrounding forest, mountains, or pond. The cabins are equipped with: • A queen-sized bed and additional sleeping space • Private sauna and outdoor cold bath • Kitchenette with basic utensils and a coffee maker • Modern bathroom facilities • Air conditioning and heating • BBQ grill and outdoor seating    For groups or families, the Twin Plan offers two adjacent cabins, allowing guests to share experiences like outdoor dining or sauna sessions together .  🍳 Dining & Activities Guests are encouraged to prepare their own meals using fresh, local ingredients available at nearby markets such as “Roadside Station Shinano” and “Daiichi Super Koma.” The on-site self-service shop provides light snacks and drinks .   Activities in and around the village include: • Hiking and nature walks • Skiing during the winter months • Relaxing in private saunas • Stargazing in the clear night skies  🐾 Pet-Friendly & Accessibility Earthboat Village Kurohime welcomes pets, making it an ideal getaway for pet owners. The property offers free private parking and is accessible by car. However, it’s recommended to plan transportation in advance, as public transport options may be limited . Getting There - Attractions - Hotels - Food & Restaurants - Shopping -

I went to The Sauna! It's no exaggeration to say that every sauna lover knows about this sauna!!! I took a quick sauna trip from the city center on a day trip! The sauna I went to that day was... Building 1 Yksi It can accommodate up to 6 people! I enjoyed the wood-fired sauna, which is hard to find in the city, and jumped into the water bath flowing from Mt. Kurohime and Lake Nojiri, and it felt like I was in Finland...😇 I was able to spend a blissful time! I heard that you can get THE LAMP burger in between sauna sessions, so I specified a time and ate it while I was getting ready🍴 It's also blissful to be able to satisfy your hunger in the middle of the sauna...!! ! ! After coming out of the sauna, it's the ultimate sauna meal Lamb mapo rice 🍴 LAMP's signature menu item is a taste that warms your body again after the sauna 🤤 I highly recommend it not only to sauna lovers, but also to those who want to enjoy saunas in the future! The staff are also very kind and helpful! ☺️ (It's a little hard to make a reservation, so I recommend checking the reservation site about 2 months in advance! Weekdays are recommended!) #0 yen trip February 2025 #domestic travel #gourmet #sauna #sauna trip #Nagano #Lake Nojiri

Located in the Madarao Kogen, Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture [Hotel Tangram Madarao Tokyu Resort] Even if you are not staying at the hotel, you can use the lift, for 1500 yen round trip per adult. When you go up the lift, there is a cafe at the top where you can enjoy a light meal while looking at the spectacular view 🍀 From the top, you can see Lake Nojiri in its entirety, a truly spectacular view! It was a hidden gem with few people ✨ #0 yen travel autumn 🕰️Business hours: 9:00-16:00 📍Address: 3575-8 Furumi, Shinanomachi, Kamiminochi-gun, Nagano Prefecture 389-1302 💰Price per person: 1500 yen

#10月好去地方2024 The blue sky and sea of ​​Pipa Island made me feel extremely relaxed and happy! As soon as I stepped onto the island, the fresh sea breeze and fine sand immediately made me happy, as if I was in a paradise. 🌅🍃 Walking along the coast, the blue sky blends with the sea water, and the sound of the waves lapping in my ears makes me forget my worries. I especially like sitting on the beach and quietly enjoying the beauty of the sunset. The orange-red light flickers on the sea, like a dreamlike picture. 💖🌈

Everyone from beginners to tournament anglers can enjoy bass fishing at Lake Nojiri!

Lake Nojiri is a lake in Shinanomachi, Kamiminochi District, Nagano Prefecture. Marine sports are popular in the summer. On the other hand, despite being in a cold region, the lake does not freeze even in winter, and in winter, you can enjoy smelt fishing from a boat equipped with a stove called a "dome boat." #LakeNojiri

I stayed overnight at a popular Finnish sauna in Nagano Prefecture! I stayed one night and booked KOLME on the morning of the second day! I think it was set for three hours. It is a one-story sauna that can be used by two or three groups. There are chairs on all sides. There is a natural cold bath in the area! In the summer, you can go directly into Lake Nojiri in front of you, but in the winter season it is very dry. lol If you walk a little further, there are several large rest areas You can also relax and chill around the bonfire! To enjoy this sauna, I recommend staying overnight and comparing it with other saunas! I have also posted about the sauna kaksi from the first night, so please read it! #outdoor #finnishsauna #privatesauna #privateroomsauna #tentsauna #saunagirl #sauna #campbeginner #campgirl #camp

While staying at The Sauna at Lake Nojiri in Nagano Prefecture, we had dinner at the restaurant! It was a restaurant with Asian-style flavors that were perfect for the sauna and outdoor mood! They had Gapao, herb sausage, oven-roasted vegetables, and other exquisite dishes that you'll want after working up a sweat in the sauna! They have table and counter seats, and the food is cooked right next to the counter! Their signature dish, lamb mabo, was also delicious! I'm sure Savannah Takahashi recommended it on Ame Talk! They also have a wide variety of drinks on the menu that you'll want to drink during the sauna☻ #outdoors #Finnish-style sauna #private sauna #private sauna #tent sauna #sauna girls #sauna #camping beginner #camping girls #camping #camping food

#2024wish Kurohime Kogen is located at the foot of Mt. Kurohime, overlooking the three beautiful bowl-shaped mountains of Mt. Kurohime, Mt. Myoko, and Mt. Madarao, and it is a place that suits the blue sky well. In a former ranch that is now used as a winter ski resort, from the largest cosmos garden in Japan that blooms from summer to autumn, climb up on a lift or on foot, and go down the "Healing Forest" fairy tale forest hiking course and go to the Kurohime Fairy Tale Museum on the way is beautiful. There are also ponds and ranches.

we’ve stayed couple of nights and we’ve enjoyed every single moment. service was top notch and the view around resort was spectacular. everything was nice, clean and perfectly placed. the only negative thing was not too many food options. it was a memorable trip. #tangram#nagano

Amazing Family Snow Resort with many ski lifts and a family park for kids and adults of all ages. Lift tickets are not expensive and there are many sleds to use to go down the hill for the family park. Highly recommend for all ages! From toddlers to adults. Beautiful views at the top of the mountains and a nice view of Nojiri Lake! Parking is free and easy to access. Bathrooms are clean and the workers there are very helpful and nice.

It's no exaggeration to say that LAMP (THE SAUNA), located near Lake Nojiri in Nagano Prefecture, has a wide variety of private saunas and the water in the cold bath is very beautiful, so it will soothe your body and mind. The accommodation and food are also excellent, so we recommend booking a stay as a set. However, it is well known that reservations cannot be made for several months in advance, so make sure to book early! #NaganoTourism #AutumnTrip #Sauna #SaunaTrip #NaganoTourism