NAGANO & GIFU
The Japanese Alps is the majestic spine of Honshu, offering a breathtaking world of towering peaks, pristine nature, and historic mountain culture. It is an unmatched destination for outdoor adventure.
This alpine region connects the ancient history of castle towns with remote, tranquil villages, all set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Here, tradition and nature merge beautifully.
Most Popular Attractions
Central Hubs & Historic Towns:
Matsumoto Castle (Nagano): A spectacular, black-and-white National Treasure, one of Japan’s few original castles, nicknamed the “Crow Castle.”
Takayama Old Town (Gifu): A beautifully preserved, authentic Edo-period town known for its traditional wooden houses, sake breweries, and craft shops in the Sanmachi Suji district.
Zenkoji Temple (Nagano): One of Japan’s most historically significant and non-sectarian Buddhist temples, visited by millions for over 1,400 years.
Hida Folk Village (Hida-no-Sato) (Gifu): An open-air museum preserving over 30 historic buildings, including traditional steep-angled thatched-roof houses (Gassho-zukuri).
Takayama Jinya (Gifu): The only remaining Edo-period local government office, offering a glimpse into the region’s administration and history.
Togakushi Shrine (Nagano): A complex of five Shinto shrines revered as a major spiritual and mythological “power spot,” reached via an iconic path lined with massive cedars.
Hida Furukawa (Gifu): A peaceful town near Takayama known for its pristine canals filled with carp and well-preserved traditional architecture.
Obuse (Nagano): A charming, small town famous for its chestnuts and the Hokusai Museum, dedicated to the renowned ukiyo-e artist.
Ueda Castle (Nagano): A historic castle site associated with the powerful Sanada samurai clan, especially beautiful during the cherry blossom season.
Karuizawa (Nagano): An upscale mountain resort town famous for its elegant atmosphere, Prince Shopping Plaza (outlet mall), and the Stone Church (Karuizawa Kogen Church).
Post Towns & Ancient Trails:
Tsumago-juku (Nagano): One of the most perfectly restored post towns on the Nakasendo, with strict rules to maintain its authentic Edo-period look.
Magome-juku (Gifu): A picturesque post town on a steep slope, famous for its waterwheel and stunning views over the valleys.
Narai-juku (Nagano): The longest of the post towns, often called “Narai of a Thousand Houses” for its impressive row of preserved buildings.
Kisoji Trail (Nagano/Gifu): The stretch of the Nakasendo that runs through the Kiso Valley, offering excellent hiking between post towns.
Ochiai no Ishidatami (Gifu): A well-preserved section of the Nakasendo paved with traditional stone.
Alpine Wilderness & Scenic Routes:
Kamikochi (Nagano): The “Crown Jewel” of the Japanese Alps, an untouched highland valley renowned for its crystal-clear Azusa River, Kappa Bridge, and views of the Hotaka mountains.
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (Nagano/Toyama): A spectacular, unique mountain route that crosses the Northern Alps using various transit, famous for its massive Snow Walls (Yuki no Otani) in spring.
Senjojiki Cirque (Nagano): A magnificent, glacier-carved, bowl-shaped basin easily reached by the Central Alps Komagatake Ropeway, offering stunning alpine flower viewing and hiking.
Shin-Hotaka Ropeway (Gifu): Japan’s first double-decker gondola, whisking visitors to a high-altitude observation deck for panoramic views of the Northern Alps.
Hakuba Valley (Nagano): A cluster of resorts famous as the host of the 1998 Winter Olympics, offering world-class skiing and snowboarding, plus hiking in summer.
Mt. Norikura (Nagano/Gifu): A dormant volcano area popular for hiking and accessible by the Norikura Skyline bus (seasonal).
Onsen & Unique Natural Wonders:
Jigokudani Monkey Park (Nagano): Famous for the wild Japanese Macaques (Snow Monkeys) who bathe in the natural hot springs during winter.
Okuhida Onsen Villages (Gifu): A collection of five remote, rustic hot spring towns, including Hirayu Onsen, offering a traditional ryokan (inn) stay experience.
Shirahone Onsen (Nagano): A secluded hot spring village famous for its milky-white, mineral-rich waters.
Gero Onsen (Gifu): Considered one of Japan’s “Three Best Onsen Towns,” known for its smooth, skin-beautifying waters.
Nozawa Onsen (Nagano): A historic hot spring and ski resort famous for its abundant free public onsen (soto-yu).
Daio Wasabi Farm (Nagano): One of Japan’s largest wasabi farms, known for its pristine water requirements and picturesque setting.
Shomyo Falls (Gifu/Toyama): Japan’s tallest waterfall, cascading over 350 meters, a spectacular sight on the Gifu/Toyama border.
Activities & Experiences
Hike the Kamikochi Valley: Walk the scenic, flat trails along the Azusa River, passing the iconic Kappa Bridge with views of the towering Hotaka mountains. Note: Private cars are banned; you must use a bus or taxi.
Walk a Section of the Nakasendo Trail: Journey back to the Edo period by hiking the preserved post towns of Magome-juku and Tsumago-juku in the Kiso Valley, a historically significant route for samurai and merchants.
Visit the Snow Monkeys: See the wild Japanese Macaques bathing in the hot springs of Jigokudani Monkey Park (Yamanouchi) during the winter months, or even in the warmer seasons.
Ride the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway: Ascend one of the world’s few double-decker gondolas from Gifu up to an observation deck for breathtaking panoramic views of the Northern Alps.
Explore Shirakawa-go and Gokayama: Wander through these UNESCO World Heritage villages in Gifu, famous for their unique, steep-roofed Gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
Immerse Yourself in Takayama’s Old Town: Stroll the beautifully preserved Sanmachi Suji district in Gifu, sampling local sake at breweries and trying the famous Hida beef sushi.
Relax in an Onsen Hot Spring: Soak in the therapeutic waters of a traditional onsen ryokan (inn), especially those secluded in the Oku-Hida or Shirahone Onsen areas.
Trek the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route: Experience the “Roof of Japan” using a combination of cable cars, trolley buses, and the famous Murodo Snow Walls (in spring).
Step Inside Matsumoto Castle: Visit this magnificent, original national treasure in Nagano—nicknamed the “Crow Castle”—known for its striking black exterior and historic architecture.
Cycle Through Azumino: Rent a bike and ride through the pastoral landscapes of Azumino, enjoying the flat trails, rice paddies, and views of the surrounding Alps.
Take a Cooking Class: Learn to prepare local specialties like Hida Beef dishes or mountain-specific comfort foods at a local’s home or a traditional inn.
Go Skiing or Snowboarding: Hit the world-class slopes of the Hakuba Valley (Nagano), famous for its Olympic history and deep, reliable powder snow.
Local Tips & Transport
Public Transport: Reliable but Infrequent: While the rail network is excellent (Shinkansen to Nagano, JR Lines, and private lines like the Alpico train to Matsumoto/Kamikochi), local buses are often the primary means of reaching popular trailheads and onsen towns. Service can be very infrequent, so always check schedules ahead of time.
Car is Highly Recommended for Flexibility: A rental car is the best option for maximum flexibility, allowing you to easily visit the scattered White Villages of Gifu (like Shirakawa-go) and the various natural parks. However, note the strict restrictions in place for certain areas like Kamikochi and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, where private cars are banned.
Cash for Local Transport: While major stations and cities accept IC cards (Suica/Pasmo), many smaller, local buses and regional attractions only accept cash (coins and ¥1000 bills). Be sure to carry small bills and change.
Gateways: Matsumoto and Nagano City (Nagano) are the main hubs on the eastern side, and Takayama (Gifu) is the main hub on the western side. You will typically travel by bus or local train from these cities to your final destination in the mountains.
Respect the Mountains: The Japanese Alps are a serious, high-altitude environment. Always check the weather, wear appropriate gear, and respect the opening/closing dates for hiking seasons (Kamikochi is typically closed from mid-November to mid-April). Mountain huts are available for multi-day treks but require advanced booking.
Onsen Etiquette: When visiting a hot spring (onsen), always wash thoroughly before entering the bath. Tattoos can be an issue; many traditional or smaller onsen still refuse entry to tattooed guests. Look for places that advertise as “tattoo-friendly” or opt for a private bath (kashikiri onsen) if available.
The Power of Hida Beef: The regional specialty is Hida Beef (from Gifu), a premium, high-marbled wagyu that rivals Kobe and Matsusaka beef. You’ll find it served in many ways, from grilled steak to sushi and even street food skewers in Takayama.
Hidden Gems:
- Zenkoji Temple (Nagano City): This is one of Japan’s most important and sacred Buddhist temples. Don’t miss the Okaidan (a pitch-dark passage beneath the main altar) for a unique spiritual experience.
- Hida-Furukawa (Gifu): A quieter alternative to Takayama, this charming town is known for its beautiful canals full of swimming carp and its traditional architecture.
- Daio Wasabi Farm (Nagano): A peaceful, picturesque farm that grows wasabi in clean, spring-fed streams. You can try wasabi-flavored ice cream and other unique local products.
- Gero Onsen (Gifu): One of Japan’s three most famous hot spring towns, known for its smooth, “beautiful skin” waters.
Seasonal Awareness: The best times to visit are late spring (May/June) for lush greenery, summer (July/August) for high-altitude hiking, and autumn (late September/October) for spectacular foliage. Winter is exclusively for snow sports and hot springs.
Top Restaurants
Aji no Yohei (Takayama) [$20-$40] – Established 200 years ago and directly managed by a traditional brewery, this restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy the finest Hida beef and local sake in a charming, classic Japanese setting.
Kyoya (Takayama) [$25-$50] – A classic, long-established restaurant and ryokan known for its excellent Hida beef dishes and traditional kaiseki meals, often featuring local mountain ingredients.
Suzuya (Matsumoto) [$15-$30] – A local favorite near Matsumoto Castle specializing in local Shinshu cuisine, particularly their signature Sanzoku-yaki (deep-fried chicken thigh, a Matsumoto specialty).
Kamonjigoya (Kamikochi) [$20-$40] – Located deep in Kamikochi valley, this rustic mountain hut is famous for its grilled Iwana (char fish) caught from the Azusa River, cooked over a traditional irori (sunken hearth).
Nomura (Shirakawa-go) [$15-$30] – A simple, traditional eatery in the World Heritage village that serves excellent handmade soba (buckwheat noodles) and local set meals featuring mountain vegetables.
Masuzono Bunsuke (Shirakawa-go) [$15-$30] – A cozy restaurant in the village offering authentic local Japanese dining, known for its set meals (teishoku) and use of regional ingredients.
Gombei (Magome-juku) [$15-$30] – Located in the historic post town, this spot is famous for its local specialty, Gohei Mochi (grilled rice cakes with a sweet/savory walnut-miso glaze), and local soba.
Daio Wasabi Farm Restaurants (Azumino) [$15-$30] – A unique experience on one of Japan’s largest wasabi farms, offering fresh, farm-to-table dishes like Wasabi Soba and Wasabi Tempura.
Daruma Shokudo (Shiga Kogen) [$15-$25] – A popular, no-frills local diner (shokudo) in the Shiga Kogen area offering satisfying Japanese staples like ramen, curry rice, and simple set meals.
Yamaga (Takayama) [$30-$60] – A traditional restaurant offering kaiseki and various Hida beef courses, often in a beautiful Japanese-style setting.
Restaurant Mizubasho (Shiga Kogen) [$30-$50] – Located within the Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel, this restaurant offers a mix of Japanese and Western cuisine, focusing on local Nagano ingredients for a more refined traditional experience.
Kuromon (Matsumoto) [$20-$40] – An Izakaya on an old merchant street, known for its lively local atmosphere, great sake selection, and well-cooked dishes using daily local ingredients, including Sanzoku chicken.
Maruaki (Takayama) [$40-$70] – A butcher shop and restaurant combination; arguably one of the best places in Takayama for Hida beef yakiniku (BBQ) and steak, guaranteeing top-quality cuts.
Hida Kotte-ushi (Takayama) [$5-$10] – A simple, very popular spot for an affordable Hida beef snack, famous for its Hida Beef Sushi served on a rice cracker.
Ajitengoku (Takayama) [$30-$60] – Highly-regarded for its Hida Beef yakiniku, this restaurant is known for the high quality of its cuts and the traditional BBQ experience.
Yakiniku House Daishogun (Kanazawa/close to Gifu) [$40-$70] – While technically in Ishikawa, this spot near the Gifu border is renowned for its Noto Beef (another fine Wagyu) and Yakiniku, set in a traditional Japanese house.
Yakiniku Otenma (Shiga Kogen area) [$30-$50] – Located near the Shiga Kogen ski area, this spot is perfect for enjoying local Japanese BBQ with Hida or other regional Wagyu beef.
Ten Kara (Gifu City) [$15-$25] – A casual spot for authentic yakiniku (BBQ) and horumon (offal) featuring the exquisite Hida beef at very reasonable prices.
Ryotei Yontori (Ogaki, Gifu) [$40-$60] – Known for both exquisite toro (fatty tuna) and Hida beef, this establishment offers a more traditional Japanese dining experience.
Soba-dokoro Meijian (Matsumoto) [$15-$25] – A highly-rated spot famous for its handmade Shinshu Soba, using local buckwheat flour, served in a cozy, authentic setting.
Uzura-ya (Nagano City) [$15-$25] – Extremely popular near Zenkoji Temple, this restaurant is known for its excellent Togakushi Soba (a local style served in bundles) and long lines.
Otafuku Udon & Soba (Kanazawa/near Gifu) [$15-$25] – Housed in a beautifully traditional house with a mossy garden, this restaurant specializes in both udon and soba noodles.
Soba Wakimoto (Shirakawa-go) [$15-$30] – A charming place in the Ogimachi village to savor authentic handmade soba noodles.
Towa-tei (Kiso Valley) [$15-$25] – A popular spot in the Kiso Valley area known for its traditional, rustic Kiso Soba and local vegetable tempura.
Hikariya Nishi (Matsumoto) [$80-$150] – A sophisticated, high-end French restaurant housed in a beautiful, historic storehouse (kura), offering creative Western cuisine using local Shinshu ingredients.
Beniya (Takayama) [$40-$80] – A modern interpretation of Japanese dining, offering creative set menus and a focused approach to seasonal, local ingredients, often featuring Hida beef.
La Riviere (Kamikochi Lemeiesta Hotel) [$50-$80] – An unexpected but highly-regarded spot in Kamikochi offering authentic French cuisine with views of the Azusa River, using fresh local and seasonal ingredients.
COIL (Kanazawa/near Gifu) [$20-$40] – Located in front of Omicho Market, this interactive spot is known for its original hand-rolled sushi experience and modern atmosphere.
Matsumoto Kakiire Doki (Matsumoto) [$30-$50] – An Izakaya with a modern, creative flair, specializing in oysters and other seafood, with dishes supervised by a Michelin-starred chef.
Sushi Ikuta (Kanazawa/near Gifu) [$150-$200] – While high-end, this sushi restaurant offers an excellent value for a refined sushi experience, utilizing the freshest local seafood from the Hokuriku region.
Zeniya (Kanazawa/near Gifu) [$350-$500+] – A two-Michelin-starred Kaiseki restaurant with a highly personal and imaginative dining experience, often drawing food enthusiasts from around the world.
Tsubajin (Kanazawa/near Gifu) [$200-$300+] – One of the oldest ryotei (high-class traditional restaurant) in the region (400 years old!), offering exquisite, historical Kaiseki dining.
Ryotei Susaki (Gifu City) [$100-$150] – A Michelin-starred restaurant and one of the last places to preserve the tea ceremony-inspired Sowaryu Honzen cuisine in Japan.
Hikariya Higashi (Matsumoto) [$100-$200] – Offering refined, traditional Kaiseki cuisine in a beautiful historic building, with a strong focus on local, seasonal ingredients from Nagano.
Tenpura Koizumi (Kanazawa/near Gifu) [$180-$250] – Specializing in top-level tempura, set inside a graceful traditional Japanese house, highlighting the best seafood and seasonal vegetables.
Kisanuki (Kanazawa/near Gifu) [$280-$350+] – An intimate omakase experience rooted in Kanazawa’s rich culinary heritage, trained by chefs from respected Kaiseki establishments.
Omicho Market (Kanazawa/near Gifu) [$10-$40] – Not a single restaurant, but a famous large food market with countless stalls and small bars offering fresh seafood, sushi, kaisendon (seafood rice bowl), and local Kanazawa Oden.
Restaurant Keyaki (Shirakawa-go) [$15-$30] – A casual spot in Shirakawa-go offering set meals and various local dishes, perfect for a quick and authentic lunch amidst the gassho-zukuri houses.
Ochiudo (Shirakawa-go) [$15-$30] – A unique restaurant that serves local game meat, often venison or boar, and traditional irori (hearth) style cooking.
Yama-no-Kitchen (Shiga Kogen) [$10-$20] – Located at the Shiga Kogen Yama-no-eki (mountain station), this spot offers quick, simple meals and local snacks, perfect for skiers and hikers.
Sakanaya (Matsumoto) [$20-$40] – A bustling Izakaya known for its fresh fish and seafood, as well as a local delicacy: Basashi (horse meat sashimi) and a great selection of sake.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Bar APOLLO: Located on the top floor of the Hotel Metropolitan Nagano in Nagano City, this atmospheric bar offers a magnificent nighttime view of the city. Skilled bartenders craft cocktails from a menu of around 200 drinks, with a strong selection of Japanese whiskey and gin.
Eonta: A long-standing Matsumoto jazz bar, popular with locals since the 1970s. You can settle in at the bar or on the corner sofas and choose from an extensive list of expertly mixed cocktails.
Heuga Bar: A charming, cozy, and spotless classic cocktail bar in Gifu City. The talented bartender, Mr. Kai, is renowned for his technique and warm hospitality, making it a must-visit for serious cocktail enthusiasts.
Bar KatsuHaru Karuizawa: Found in the chic mountain resort town of Karuizawa in Nagano, this sophisticated bar focuses on cocktails, whisky, and fine spirits in an upscale setting.
GIN CAFE: Also in Karuizawa, this spot is dedicated to gin, offering a specialized selection of gin-based cocktails and an excellent whisky collection in a stylish setting.
Cocktail Works Karuizawa: Located in Karuizawa, this dining bar serves up classic and creative cocktails alongside Italian cuisine, making it perfect for both dinner and drinks.
Bar Barosa: Cited as one of the best cocktail bars in Japan, this spot in Gifu City is known for its incredible precision and is a treat for those who appreciate high-quality classic cocktails.
BAR-NICE: A welcoming bar in Gifu City known for its friendly master and delicious classic cocktails like the Tequila Sunrise and Sidecar, ensuring a pleasant and safe environment for patrons.
Mash Cafe & Bed NAGANO: Near Nagano Station, this spot is a combination of a cafe, bed, and beer bar, where you can enjoy wood-fired pizza, craft beer, and wine in a casual atmosphere.
Scirocco: Close to Nagano Station, this is a refined dining bar and wine bar, offering a good selection of wine and other alcoholic beverages, popular with a more mature crowd.
Red Hill: Located in Takayama (Gifu), this cozy basement bar is popular with locals and travelers alike, featuring a retro interior, friendly service, and affordable classic cocktails.
Rum Dance Hall: A themed bar in Takayama (Gifu) dedicated to rum, featuring an impressive and curated global selection. The DJ booth and stylish music create a vibrant atmosphere for a night out.
Bar Country: While a bit of a classic Japanese bar experience, this spot near the train station in an undisclosed major city in the Alps is known for its immense whisky selection, feeling like an old bookstore, and the bartender’s warm, personal feel.
The Pub: A popular choice in the Hakuba Valley (Nagano) ski resorts, offering a laid-back, international atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a day on the slopes with craft beers and simple mixed drinks.
Traumerei (Hakuba): An atmospheric lounge bar often found within one of the higher-end hotels or lodges in the Hakuba Valley, known for its sophisticated cocktails and cozy, alpine-chic decor.
J-Pub (Hakuba): A lively late-night bar and club popular in the Hakuba Valley during the ski season, known for its busy dance floor, regular DJs, and high-energy atmosphere with a mix of international and Japanese party-goers.
The Jack’s Bar (Hakuba): A quintessential late-night party spot in the Hakuba Valley, famous for its live music, raucous atmosphere, and being open late, making it a hub for international travelers.
Boomerang (Happo-one, Hakuba): A vibrant, smaller club/bar near the Happo-one slopes in the Hakuba Valley known for its great drinks, music, and an enthusiastic crowd, particularly during winter.
The Shack (Hakuba): A central and popular bar in the Hakuba Valley area that often turns into a late-night venue with music and a buzzing social scene, a favorite for mingling.
Sala Negra (Matsumoto): A nightclub in Matsumoto known for hosting various music events, including Latin nights and other dance parties, offering a dedicated dance floor experience in a main city.
Gallery Club Nagano: A local favorite in Nagano City that offers a dedicated club experience, featuring DJs and a mix of music genres, often attracting a younger crowd.
The Globe (Nagano City): Located near the city center, this bar often features a diverse music selection and a lively atmosphere that transitions into a late-night spot, popular with locals and the city’s international residents.
Dekonaru Yokocho: While not a single club, this vibrant cluster of tiny food stalls and pubs near Takayama Station is the heart of the city’s late-night socializing, where you can enjoy local food and drinks and chat with locals until around 11 PM or later.
Bols: A local sports bar in Takayama (Gifu) that features European and local Japanese beer selections and pub grub. It offers a lively and casual atmosphere, perfect for a late-night drink and a game.
Karaoke Kan (Multiple Locations): An essential Japanese nightlife experience, various branches of this popular chain (and others) are found across Nagano City and Gifu City, offering private rooms to sing karaoke until the early morning hours.