Nagano has more to offer than snow

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.

Each region offers a slice of the "real Japan".    

For more details see https://www.go-nagano.net/en/

Get off the beaten track to enjoy a slice of the real Japan

Most visitors to Japan zero in on the major cities: Tokyo, Osaka, perhaps Kyoto and Hiroshima, or ski resorts like Niseko.

To enjoy a real slice of Japanese life, however, it is best to head off the beaten track to somewhere like Hida Takayama, a small mountain town in Gifu Prefecture that offers a delightful rural escape.

Hida Takayama boasts beautiful old homes, morning markets, alpine air, a delightful river; and several affordable restaurants where you can match local sakes with the famous Hida beef.

The usual accommodation choices in this region are the traditional ryokan, or Japanese inns, like Hotakaso Yamano-an, where you sleep on a futon on the floor and can bathe in the open air pools with views of the Japanese Alps.

Dinner here is a traditional Kaiseki meal of multiple courses featuring fresh local ingredients, including fish from local streams and sansai (wild mountain vegetables).

Hida Takayama looks at its prettiest in winter, when snowflakes descend and coat the town in white.

There is a magnificent temple downtown. Hida-Kokubunji Temple is the oldest structure in the town and has a three-level pagoda beside a ginko tree that is over 1,200 years old.



For those looking for a more Western style of accommodation, the Accor group this week opened the new Mercure Hida Takayama.

Inspired by local traditions, the property features indoor and outdoor natural hot spring baths.

Situated in the heart of the city just a four-minute walk from JR Takayama Station, Mercure Hida Takayama offers 161 guestrooms and seven room types.

On the first floor, a lobby with a modern wooden chandelier and shelves featuring local artwork creates a warm ambience.

A Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and bar "Hobar" is named after the Japanese word for magnolia leaves, which are traditionally used to cook the regional dishes of Gifu Prefecture.



The indoor and outdoor onsens are located n the top floor of the hotel, while three private onsens are designed for couples and families who prefer privacy as they unwind.

Visitors are advised to visit the many sake breweries in the region and the city is famous for its biannual Takayama Festival.

"As Japan continues to welcome back international travel, we are excited to be opening a Mercure address in such a unique and somewhat untapped destination as Takayama," says Garth Simmons, regional CEO for Accor.

"Mercure Hida Takayama will undoubtedly be one of our flagship Mercure properties in Japan, showcasing locally-inspired design as well as being a breathtaking base to explore the beautiful city of Takayama."

Accor currently operates 19 hotels across eight destinations in Japan. Mercure Hida Takayama is the eighth Mercure hotel in Japan.

For more information and reservations, visit https://all.accor.com/hotel/B9G5/index.en.shtml?.

Images: Winsor Dobbin and Accor