The Japanese resort of Nagano is a popular winter destination for skiers and snowboarders but local tourism officials are urging visitors to explore beyond the snowfields and resorts for a better understanding and appreciation of the region and its culture.
The popular destination, about 250km north-west of capital Tokyo, is split into six distinct regions with each having their own characteristics, from the historic sites to the ancient walking trails and natural beauty.
“Despite the surge of holidaying Australians each northern winter, Nagano is truly an all-year-round destination, and we can break new records by urging visitors to stay longer or return after winter during the autumn, spring or summer seasons,” says Helen Wong, Australian representative of the Nagano Tourism Organisation.
“There is so much to see and learn across the prefecture’s regions, whether it be at the dinner table or on a trek along one of the ancient routes.
“Historic sites and breath-taking scenery go hand-in-hand wherever you explore.”
So popular is Nagano with Australians that recent figures released by the Nagano Tourism Organisation show the Aussie market maintaining its spot at No.2 behind Japan’s near neighbours Taiwan for time spent in the prefecture.
Statistics for 2025 (until the end of August) show Australians spending 143,860 bed nights during the period, an increase of more than 28,000 on the previous record-breaking year’s figures and ahead of the People’s Republic of China in third position.
Apart from onsens and large ski resorts, northern Nagano is renowned for its snow monkeys and the iconic Zenkoji Temple.
In Central Nagano, beyond the castle town of Matsumoto, you'll find the wasabi-growing district of Azumino, the Hakuba Valley and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.
The popular destination, about 250km north-west of capital Tokyo, is split into six distinct regions with each having their own characteristics, from the historic sites to the ancient walking trails and natural beauty.
“Despite the surge of holidaying Australians each northern winter, Nagano is truly an all-year-round destination, and we can break new records by urging visitors to stay longer or return after winter during the autumn, spring or summer seasons,” says Helen Wong, Australian representative of the Nagano Tourism Organisation.
“There is so much to see and learn across the prefecture’s regions, whether it be at the dinner table or on a trek along one of the ancient routes.
“Historic sites and breath-taking scenery go hand-in-hand wherever you explore.”
So popular is Nagano with Australians that recent figures released by the Nagano Tourism Organisation show the Aussie market maintaining its spot at No.2 behind Japan’s near neighbours Taiwan for time spent in the prefecture.
Statistics for 2025 (until the end of August) show Australians spending 143,860 bed nights during the period, an increase of more than 28,000 on the previous record-breaking year’s figures and ahead of the People’s Republic of China in third position.
Apart from onsens and large ski resorts, northern Nagano is renowned for its snow monkeys and the iconic Zenkoji Temple.
In Central Nagano, beyond the castle town of Matsumoto, you'll find the wasabi-growing district of Azumino, the Hakuba Valley and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.
No comments:
Post a Comment