Jantine De jongGo to Profile Icon

guide to

Nagano-shi

10/14/2007

10/30/2007

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Step 8/13: Japan - Nagano-shi

Nagano-shi photo by Jantine De jong

About Nagano-shi

Of course most famous for accommodating the Winter Olympics in 1998. Too bad the Olympic podium now is a parking lot. Although you can still get up and wave to the people as if you're the big winner. Just outside of Nagano you find a park famous for its water-loving monkeys and while in Nagano visiting the Zenko-ji Temple complex is a must!
Bus/Coach icon
How I got here ?

Price: 2.5 €

Traveling time: 1 hours

We went to Nagano by car and left the city by bus. Also took a 40-minute bus ride to Yamanouchi (€1,40) and a 20 minute hike.

Tips & Tricks

  • Gain some luck at the Zenko-ji Temple!
  • Don't get too close to the monkeys, they can attack...I know...

Things to see

Jigokudani Monkey Park, Yamanouchi 7 /10
5 €
Jigokudani Monkey Park, Yamanouchi photo by Jantine De jong

User's opinion
These monkeys are famous for bathing in the Japanese onsens, hot water springs. The maquaces, or snow monkeys are wild and can come and go as they please. Wardens are throwing food around, so they'll stay. It's fun to see the monkeys interact with each other and since they're accustomed to people, you can watch them up close.
Zenko-ji Temple 8 /10
0 €
Zenko-ji Temple photo by Jantine De jong

User's opinion
Dates from the 7th century and houses the first buddhist image in Japan. It was destroyed by fire, but rebuild in 1707. In this temple there are multiple ways to gain good luck; Spin one of the Kyozo for enlightenment, rub the monk statue or find the hidden key to salvation and turn it once in the underground pitch-black curved tunnel. It's fun! Admission to the grounds is free, to the tunnel costs €5.

Practical