Top Reasons to Visit

Top Reasons to Visit

An Onsen for All Seasons

Near coastal regions, onsen tend to be salty and high in calcium, while those in mountain areas are usually higher in iron and sulfur. Both lay claim to various skin, bone, and mental health benefits, while relaxation and rejuvenation are guaranteed.

Mountain Hikes

With peaks reaching 11,000 feet, the Japan Alps offer staggering views and a serious workout. The breathtaking Kamikochi area of Nagano is laced with trails through and around the snow peaks. In summer the highland slopes and valleys come alive with wildflowers.

Ski Like an Olympian

The resort upgrades from the Nagano Winter Olympics continue attracting plenty of outdoor enthusiasts, particularly on weekends. Shiga Kogen, near Yudanaka, and Happa-one, near Hakuba, are among the best areas.

Glimpses of Feudal Japan

Visit the former samurai quarters found amid the earthen walls and flowing canals of the Nagamachi section of Kanazawa. Also, the stately Matsumoto castle, surrounded by streets of merchant houses, evokes how people lived in a strictly hierarchical society.

Folk Art

Handed down through generations, folk crafts still flourish today. Kanazawa is renown for dyed silk, gilded crafts, and pottery; Matsumoto has excellent wood craftsmanship. Lacquer is a specialty of the Noto Peninsula. In the restored Kiso Valley towns of Tsumago and Magome, artisans work while customers browse.