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The elevation of Nagano and resulting temperature difference between day and night, bless the region with an ideal climate for growing fruit. As such, Nagano produces some of Japan’s best fruit; most...

Once an important Edo Period (1603-1868) trading town, Obuse is a small historic town accessible using the Nagano Dentetsu (Nagaden) train line. Now known for its chestnut confectionaries, sake and m...

Certainly Japan’s most famous artist, Katsushika Hokusai – more commonly referred to simply as Hokusai – spent some of his final years residing and painting in Obuse. Under the patronage of a wealt...

The Ganshoin Temple in Obuse is one with a long history. The most famous item of the temple is a painting made in 1848. Inside the temple you will find the last masterpiece of famous painter Hokusai ...

Takai Kozan was one of the wealthiest farmer-merchants of Obuse. Highly cultured and intelligent, he studied Confucianism, Sinology and Western sciences. His house was frequented by all sort...

'Hanami' or 'flower viewing' is perhaps the quintessential Japanese activity and one of the highlights of any visit in spring. Given it's higher elevation, the cherry blossoms of Nagano including M...

Known for its natural beauty, the mountains and steep ravines of Matsukawa Valley are dissected by rivers and streams that lead to several famous waterfalls. Most notably, the Kaminaridaki, Shichimi...

Matsukawa Valley is blessed with many 'onsen' (natural hot springs), known for their therapeutic properties set within the rural and alpine beauty of the region. Approximately 30 minutes by bus from S...

Known as 'koyo' in Japanese, the autumn leaves of Nagano are an attraction to themselves and there is no better place to view them than the forests and mountains of Matsukawa Valley. As the ...