Snowy Mountain Delights: 8-Day Culinary Journey in Nagano, Japan Itinerary

Begin with a visit to Zenko-ji Temple, one of the most important and popular temples in Japan. After exploring the temple, enjoy a refreshing morning at Nagano Minamikaze Beer, a local brewery known for its unique brews and mountain-inspired flavors.

For lunch, head to MONZEN TERRACE ENYA, a riverside restaurant offering a serene dining experience. Post lunch, take a short drive to the Jigokudani Monkey Park, where you can witness the famous snow monkeys relaxing in their natural hot spring habitat.

Dine at バルノッテ 86NOTTE, a stylish bar and restaurant with a sophisticated ambiance. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the Obuse Town, known for its beautiful art galleries and chestnut confections.

Enjoy a scenic morning drive to the nearby city of Matsumoto. Have breakfast at Pizzeria uanci e cheer, known for its authentic Italian pizzas. After breakfast, visit the iconic Matsumoto Castle, also known as the "Crow Castle," and explore its historic grounds.

For lunch, indulge in the flavors of ライブレストラン ビアホールトピ, a lively restaurant offering a wide range of local and international dishes. Post lunch, take a relaxing walk through the serene Nakamachi Street, lined with well-preserved, old merchant houses.

Return to Nagano and have dinner at Blue wing, a restaurant known for its fusion cuisine and vibrant atmosphere. After dinner, enjoy the evening at Tateshina Highland, where you can take in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Start with a visit to the Asama Onsen, a tranquil hot spring town nestled at the foot of Mount Asama. Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast at one of the local ryokans. After breakfast, take a short drive to the Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza, where you can indulge in some retail therapy at one of Japan's largest outlet malls.

For lunch, head to Shinshu Kuraudo, a restaurant specializing in local Shinshu cuisine. After lunch, explore the Karuizawa Taliesin, a beautiful architectural complex surrounded by nature, and learn about the works of Frank Lloyd Wright.

Dine at Bar & Dining Moi, a chic establishment offering a sophisticated dining experience. After dinner, take a stroll through the Karuizawa Ginza, a charming shopping street with a variety of boutiques and cafes. If the weather permits, consider a visit to the Stargazing at Mt. Asama for a mesmerizing view of the night sky.

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at バー「アポロ」, known for its morning ambiance and mountain-inspired menu. After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to the Komagane Ropeway, where you'll ascend to the heights of the Komagatake mountain range and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding alpine landscape.

For lunch, savor the flavors of India The Spice, a restaurant that brings a taste of India to the mountains of Nagano. Post lunch, visit the Komagane Kogen Ski Resort for an afternoon of alpine activities, whether it's skiing in the winter or hiking in the summer.

Return to Nagano and dine at Wainnosakabadipuntonaganoekimaeten, a restaurant known for its local specialties and warm hospitality. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the Komagane Silk Museum, where you can learn about the region's silk production history and admire intricate silk creations.

Start your day with breakfast at Cloud Nine, a cafe with a view, offering a variety of morning delights. After breakfast, take a scenic drive to the Matsumoto Timepiece Museum, where you can explore a fascinating collection of clocks and timepieces from around the world.

For lunch, visit Organic Mom's Kitchen Shinkoq, a restaurant dedicated to organic and locally sourced ingredients. Post lunch, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Kamikochi Valley, known for its pristine rivers, lush forests, and breathtaking mountain peaks.

Dine at THE FUJIYA GOHONJIN（藤屋御本陳）, a restaurant with a long history and a menu that reflects the traditions of Nagano. After dinner, take a relaxing walk through the Fukiware Falls, where you can witness the majestic cascade of water against the backdrop of the mountains.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Bar Lucky, known for its morning cocktails and light bites. After breakfast, take a short drive to the Minamiaiki Village, a picturesque mountain village with traditional thatched-roof houses, where you can take a step back in time and explore the rural way of life.

For lunch, visit dining bar CREW∞, a restaurant with a modern twist on mountain cuisine. Post lunch, take a scenic drive through the Azumino Countryside, known for its wide fields and the Daio Wasabi Farm, one of the largest wasabi farms in Japan.

As the sun sets on your culinary adventure, enjoy a farewell dinner at YAMANOMA BREWERY & CRAFT BEER PUB, where you can raise a glass to the flavors of Nagano. Reflect on your journey as you take an evening stroll through the Azumino Art Hills Museum, an open-air museum with stunning views of the Northern Alps.

On your departure day, savor a final breakfast at Matsumoto Timepiece Museum [1999], where you can enjoy a meal surrounded by the intricate beauty of timepieces. After breakfast, take a moment to visit the Matsumoto City Museum, where you can learn more about the history and culture of the region before bidding farewell to the snowy mountains of Nagano.