Day 1: Togakushi Shrine and Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
Begin your journey with a 4-hour drive to Togakushi Shrine, a sacred place nestled in a snowy forest. Wrapped in towering cedar trees, Togakushi Shrine is one of Shinshu’s most spiritually profound sanctuaries. In winter, the approach is covered in snow. Footsteps are absorbed by the forest, leaving only the sound of wind—and your own breath.
After the shrine visit, enjoy locally made hand-cut soba noodles near the entrance to the Okusha area. Light, simple, and refreshing, the flavors stand in gentle contrast to the cold winter air—a scene that captures one of Shinshu’s most characteristic winter moments.
Next, head to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Follow a forest path into a quiet mountain valley and encounter Japanese macaques living freely in their natural habitat. In the depths of winter, some gather around the hot springs, soaking in the warm water as snow falls softly around them—a scene that has come to symbolize the winter beauty of Shinshu.
Afterward, check in to your hotel in Nagano and rest for the day.
Day 2: Hakuba Village and Hijiri Highlands or Nakamaki Lake
Depart from the hotel and head to Hakuba Village. Take the gondola up to a higher viewpoint and look out over the snow-covered Northern Alps. At the mountaintop café, pause for a warm drink and savor a quiet moment—a gentle pause that belongs only to winter.
From early June to late October, visitors can also hike to Happo Pond, where alpine scenery unfolds in stunning contrast—snow-capped peaks reflected in crystal-clear waters. (Please note: the gondola does not reach the summit; this route is available only during the green season.)
Next, visit either Hijiri Highlands or Nakamaki Lake, depending on the weather. Hijiri Highlands is a quiet highland area in Nagano’s inland region. The landscape of snowfields, forests, and distant mountains creates a serene scene, offering a different side of Shinshu away from the bustling tourist spots.
Nakamaki Lake, surrounded by mountains, showcases a restrained beauty in winter. Under the right weather conditions, frost or mist may appear by the lakeside, providing a tranquil end to your journey.
