A word to the wise: Hot-spring etiquette

Every day numerous people come to soak in Yamanouchi’s geothermal hot-spring baths. Let’s all bear in mind a few points of etiquette, so that everyone can enjoy a relaxing dip in clean hot-spring waters. 1. Before you enter the bathtub, wash your whole body by pouring hot water over yourself outside the tub. Be sure to clean the sweat and dirt from your body before you enter the spa bath. Pouring hot water over yourself outside the tub also helps you to accustom yourself to the minerals and temperature of the hot-spring waters before you enter. 2. When you enter the bath, do so quietly. A hot-spring bath is not…

Local Dining Spot Day and Night

This restaurant has been a favorite amongst many for over 50 years. The Pork-based dish (internal organs) is made with care over a three-hour process. We always enjoy seeing our regulars that come from out of town! Our popular pork-based meal for 850 yen. Friendly spot for families, with high-chairs for small children as well! Restaurant name：　Seki-Ei Drive-In (Japanese Comfort Food Restaurant) Addresses：4168, Hirao, Yamanochi-machi Shimotakai-gun, Nagano, 381-0401, Japan TEL/reservation:0269-33-2705 Operating Hours:11:00～L.O14:30/17:00～L.O21:00 Shop holidays：Closed on Tuesday, irregular holiday on Wednesday

A “Miraculous” park where you can observe wild monkeys at close range Jigokudani Yaen-koen

Jigokudani Yaen-koen is located in Joshin’etsu-kogen National Park in northern Nagano Prefecture. It is nestled in a valley of the Yokoyu River, which rises in the highlands of Shiga Kogen. Covered in snow for a third of the year, this park in the mountains lies a 2km, 30–40-minute walk from Kamibayashi Onsen. Why do the monkeys live here, so deep in the mountains? The wild monkeys (Japanese macaques) prefer to live deep in the mountains, far from human settlements. When you visit Jigokudani Yaen-koen, you are seeing the monkeys in their natural habitat. Most monkey species inhabit warm regions. Japanese macaques are the most northerly-living monkey species on Earth. This…

Natural Miso Blessed By Shiga Kogen

With a history of over 120 years, Shiga Kogen miso was made at an altitude of 634 meters and continues to be cherished for being natural, additive-free, and handmade. Miso is known to vary in color and taste depending on the maturing duration, and this miso is enjoyed by many for its three elements: umami, taste, and smell. This brick chimney was built during the Meiji Period and is still running today. A factory tour is also available. You can also do a miso soup tasting at the store. Shop name：Miso Farm Sekiya Addresses：2865, Hirao, Yamanochi-machi Shimotakai-gun, Nagano, 381-0401, Japan TEL/reservation:0269-33-2535 Operating Hours:7:30-18:00 Shop holidays：irregular holiday

Outdoor & Activity

2016.10.5

Outdoor & Activity

Play to your heart’s content on dramatic ski slopes that straddle the mountains of the Japanese Alps.

With its cluster of distinctive ski slopes large and small, Shiga Kogen and Kitashiga Kogen together form one of Japan’s largest snow resorts. The incredible variety of slopes in the resort’s layout means there’s something for everyone, from beginners to experienced skiers. Take in panoramic views of majestic mountain ranges as you play winter sports to your heart’s content. Numerous money-saving plans are on offer, including a common lift pass for all ski lifts. Stay for several days and enjoy the luxury of sampling a series of different slopes, each with its unique appeal. via image wikimedia https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ryuuousita.JPG Our List of Recommended Ski Resorts Shiga Kogen Ski Resort This sprawling…

Experience the charm of Yamanouchi in an inn steeped in the atmosphere of old Japan

The Yudanaka/Shibu Onsen Resrort boasts a history of over a thousand years. In the spa towns, the cobblestone streets are lined with elegant inns. Enjoy your visit to the fullest by staying in one of these popular inns, all of which are highly rated on tripadvisor.com Biyu-no-Yado Source:RYOKAN BIYU NO YADO,Yudanaka Hot-spring Official Facebook This inn boasts a large bath with natural hot-spring water piped in from the source and an outdoor bath with a sweeping view of the Five Peaks of Hokushin. The view from the lobby lounge is unforgettable. Don’t miss the kaiseki dinner, a feast of Japanese cuisine prepared with local ingredients. Shimaya Source:NAGANO YUDANAKA SHIMAYA Official…

Tracing Back History at This Café Bar

This renovated hostel dates back to over 100 years ago. Although it is reminiscent of Kyoto’s townhouse buildings, the interior has a café bar with a modern feel. This is a fun place where you can enjoy everything from breakfast, pastries, and drinks. Why not sit at the counter and chat about global topics with Japanese-speaking staff? Set of a café latte and a chocolate croissant for 580 yen. Restaurant name：　ZEN Hostel Addresses：3031, Hirao, Yamanochi-machi Shimotakai-gun, Nagano, 381-0401, Japan TEL/reservation:0269-38-0755 Operating Hours:7:30-17:00(Cafe time), 17:00-23:00 (L.O22:00)（Dinner time） Shop holidays：irregular holidays

The History of the Hot Springs of Yamanouchi

The town of Yamanouchi is dotted with geothermal hot-spring baths. There are nine hot springs in the Yudanaka/Shibu Onsen resort, seven in Shiga Kogen area and three in Kita Shiga Kogen area. In this article we bring you some of the history of two hot springs popular with tourists, Yudanaka Onsen and Shibu Onsen. “Yudanaka Onsen” is said to have been discovered some 1,350 years ago by a Buddhist monk named Chiyu. Upon finding the hot spring, Chiyu built a stone image of the Maitreya Buddha on the east side of O-yu hot spring. It is said that the image became buried with the passage of time but was unearthed…

Hidden Gem Café

Walk up the steps to find a beautiful café that looks like a painting. This hidden gem is a renovate house with an interior design that will catch any girl’s heart. The fine details of the atmosphere are also reflected in the homemade food being served, almost allowing you to forget about time. Reservations only. 900 yen for a lunch and dessert set. Dinner is restricted to courses only. Restaurant name：　Komichi Café Sorachika Addresses：5973-3, Hirao, Yamanochi-machi Shimotakai-gun, Nagano, 381-0401, Japan TEL/reservation:0269-38-1186 Operating Hours:11:30-15:00(Lunch), 17:30-21:00（Dinner） Shop holidays：Every Wednesday and Sunday

How to Get to the Snow Monkeys

The town of Yamanouchi in northeastern Nagano Prefecture is a popular sightseeing and leisure area. Nestled amid the beauty of nature, it is renowned for its large snow resorts such as “Shiga Kogen”, “Kita Shiga Kogen” and “Yudanaka/Shibu Onsen Resort. In recent years Yamanouchi has attracted worldwide fame for the snow monkeys of Jigokudani Yaen-koen, the “Snow Monkey Park.” Large numbers of foreign tourists visit the park every year. Here we explain how to get to Jigokudani Yaen-koen by public transit. Yamanouchi is located about 30km from Nagano Station, the jumping-off point for sightseeing in the Kita-Shinshu area. There are three ways to reach “Jigokudani Yaen-koen” from Nagano Station: bus,…

About Snowmonkey Town