The suggestions below are for independent sightseeing and are not part of the workshop program. Please check opening hours, transport schedules, and reservation requirements with the relevant venues and transport operators before your visit.
★ Personal recommendations from the organizing team.
Togakushi Area
Togakushi is known for its forests, historic shrines, hiking trails, and traditional soba. The area is suitable for both day trips and overnight stays from Nagano.
Local Recommendations ★
Togakushi Shrines — Historic shrines connected by forest walking trails.
Mt. Iizuna — A day hike with panoramic mountain views. Allow approximately 4–5 hours round trip, depending on the route and your pace.
Teuchi Soba GAKU — A restaurant serving handmade Togakushi soba.
Mominoki Sanso — A cozy mountain lodge recommended for its meals and welcoming atmosphere.
Access
Direct buses are available from Nagano Station. Please check the latest timetables and operating dates before travelling.
Nagano–Togakushi bus timetable | Togakushi shuttle bus information
Suwa Area
The Suwa area is known for its lake scenery, hot springs, and long tradition of Japanese sake brewing. It is suitable for both day trips and overnight stays from Nagano.
Local Recommendations ★
Honkin Sake Brewery — A local sake brewery in Suwa City.
Tango-no-Yu — A traditional public hot spring bath in Shimosuwa Onsen.
Tateishi Park — A scenic viewpoint overlooking Lake Suwa and the surrounding mountains.
Hi to Yoi — A cozy local restaurant serving Japanese sake and seasonal dishes.
Yoiyoi Saketen — A local sake shop offering kakuuchi-style standing sake tasting and a carefully selected range of Japanese sake.
Ayumi Shokudo — A restaurant serving creative dishes inspired by cuisines from around the world. Reservations are recommended.
Access to Shimosuwa
Nagano → Matsumoto → Shimosuwa
Take the JR Shinonoi Line to Matsumoto, then the JR Chuo Main Line to Shimosuwa. The journey takes approximately 1.5–2 hours, depending on the services and connections.
Scenic Railway: Obasute
The JR Shinonoi Line offers panoramic views of the Zenkoji Plain near Obasute Station, known for one of Japan’s “Three Great Train Window Views.”
To experience the station’s switchback railway, choose a train that stops at Obasute. Limited Express Shinano trains do not stop there.
More Areas to Explore
Mountain Hiking
Mt. Myoko & Mt. Hiuchi — A mountain area offering both day hikes and overnight trips with stays in mountain huts.
Mt. Asama — Volcanic scenery and hiking near Karuizawa.
Hiking note: Mountain hikes require appropriate equipment and advance planning. Please check current weather conditions, trail access, and any volcanic restrictions before departure.
Hot Springs
Nozawa Onsen — A traditional hot spring town known for its public baths, mountain scenery, and walks through historic streets.
Historic Towns & Culture
Matsumoto — A historic castle town known for Matsumoto Castle, views of the Northern Alps, spring-water wells, and a variety of cafés and restaurants.
Ueda — A historic town with castle heritage, temples, and traditional streets.
For questions about the information on this page, please contact:
Workshop Secretariat / r23795s[at]omu.ac.jp
Please replace [at] with @ when emailing.