Imagine stepping into a world of snow-covered landscapes and enchanting igloos, where hot springs beckon and wild monkeys play freely. This is Nagano, a hidden gem for winter explorers. Join me as I share my exhilarating journey through this winter wonderland.
As an international student, this was the first time I had experienced winter before coming to Japan. I grew up in a tropical country where it’s mostly hot and occasionally chilly, but never cold enough for snow. During my first year in Japan, I was too scared to explore during winter because it was so cold! However, as I became more accustomed to my surroundings, I started to venture out and explore some of the beautiful places Japan has to offer.
Last winter, I planned a trip to Nagano, which is famous for skiing, snowboarding, and other attractions like the Wild Snow Monkey Park. Since snow only lasts for a few days in Tokyo, if you want to experience winter and snow, and want to learn how to ski, or even if you are a professional skier or snowboarder, Nagano is one of the best places for that. Not only has it hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics, but it’s also affordable compared to other places. Since I was still new to Japan and just beginning my exploration, some friends and I decided to visit Nagano during the winter season. I was very excited because I enjoy long-distance trips in general, and visiting the Wild Snow Monkey Park was a dream come true for me! I hadn’t seen monkeys since I was a little kid, and this was the perfect opportunity to see them again.
Living in Tokyo does not require one to wear snow protection clothes or shoes. While planning the trip, I had to include buying winter clothes and snow shoes. I had to buy heat tech clothes, gloves, and a beanie from stores in Japan, which were all affordable, and snow boots from an online store, which are also very good quality and more cost-effective than I expected. As for transportation and accommodation, I took the bus which is cheaper than taking the Shinkansen, or bullet train, and offers an incredible experience of seeing the beauty of nature. It also makes many stops where you can buy drinks and food or take a moment to stretch. I found many affordable hotels and can always make easy reservations at the very last minute.
I left Tokyo on February 11th, 2024, and arrived in Nagano the same day by bus which took around 4.5 hours. I was excited to try delicious Japanese food there, such as soba, and freshwater fish, such as trout.
My first stop was the Snow Dome in Kamakura Village. The village is known for its many igloos made of snow and ice, which provide a unique and cozy setting for dinner with loved ones. The illuminations were breathtaking, and the city had a friendly and lively atmosphere. However, the weather was extremely cold for me, especially my fingers! I had to keep my hands inside my jacket at all times to stay warm.
On February 12th, I embarked on a 50-minute hike to visit the Wild Snow Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen-Koen), located in the Valley of Yokoyu River. Despite the cold, I didn’t feel tired because I enjoy hiking. It’s a snowy mountainous area that is very slippery and requires one to wear non-slippery shoes. The hike was fascinating, with beautiful nature and landscapes all around.
When I arrived at the park, I was even more excited to see the wild monkeys. I quickly approached them to take pictures. I found them very friendly, however, feeding them is not allowed. The wild monkeys live in the park and enjoy their time in the hot springs. What makes this area so amazing is that there are no fences like in a normal zoo, so you can get up close and personal with the wild monkeys and observe their natural behavior.
After the hike and the visit to the park, I explored Nagano City at night, which was very quiet and relaxing for a walk.
If you come from a hot country like me, or if you enjoy hiking and want to explore during the winter, I highly recommend visiting Nagano since it is much close to Tokyo and cost-effective. There are plenty of options to have fun, whether you visit the Snow Dome Village, the Wild Snow Monkey Park, or go skiing and snowboarding. Just remember to wear heavy jackets and snow boots!
