Japan Journeys

Shinanomachi is an area in northern Nagano known for its pristine nature and rural charm. The area is popular year-round; in winter, the ski resorts ‘Tangram Ski Circus’ and ‘Kurohime Kogen Snow Park’ offer plenty of great runs; in summer, Lake Nojiri is the place to be. Located high in the northern Nagano mountains, this ancient glacial lake is part of the Myoko Togakushi Renzan National Park. It’s known as a hotspot for paleolithic elephant fossils and is a wonderful place to kayak, hike or fish. Shinanomachi is also a great place for forest bathing as well as mountain vegetable foraging. With so much to see and do in the area, where do you begin? You can start by checking out the helpful articles below.