A truly enriching add-on to the start or end of your next Japanese snow holiday, the regional cities of Kanazawa and Nagano offer travellers the opportunity to immerse themselves in Japanese tradition and culture, whilst savouring some of the best cuisine the country has to offer.
Located near the popular Hakuba Valley Ski Village and within easy access via train to Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, it’s well worth spending some time exploring before or after hitting the mountains.
Head to our Virtual Snow Show for video tours of these neighbouring destinations, and to read all about the incredible experiences they offer to travellers – stunning scenery and natural wonders, atmospheric samurai quarters and geisha house districts, rich art and craft traditions, and distinctive local cuisine. We’ve wrapped up just a few top highlights below.
We are now taking early bird enquiries for next season and have up-to-the minute information on all impacts of COVID-19, including new travel requirements, safety measures and border restrictions. Reach out to start planning today on [email protected]
Our top pre & post ski adventures in Nagano & Kanazawa
Kenrojuen garden, Kanazawa
Kanazawa’s most famous attraction is Kenrokuen garden (main image), one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens, and visitors from all over Japan and the world come to explore the stunning gardens year-round. In Winter, the gardens are particularly famous for the unique yukizuri (snow hanging) technique that protects the garden’s delicate Karasaki pine tree from snow.
Zenkoji Temple, Nagano
At the heart of Nagano lies one of Japan’s most significant and revered cultural sites. It is said that Zenkoji Temple was originally built about 1400 years ago and was designated a National Treasure of Japan in 1953. Visitors from around the world travel to explore the temple’s vast grounds and delve deep into the underground chamber in search of the “key to paradise”
Soba making, Nagano
Togakushi soba noodles are some of the most delicious soba found throughout Japan due to the incredibly high quality buckwheat produced in the area. You can taste these delicious noodles at many restaurants around Nagano and Kanazawa and also learn how to make soba yourself at Nagano‘s Togakushi Soba Yamaguchi.
Head to our Virtual Snow Show to experience this incredible destination from home and reach out to our team to start planning your 2022 snow travels to Japan!
But in the meantime …
Our sister company, Jigsaw Travel is here and ready to help you create your dream Australian holiday this year. Our exclusive partnerships with many Australian hotels, boutique lodges and even private homes allow us to offer our clients room upgrades, VIP amenities, late check out, food and beverage credits and other benefits at the same rate, or even better, than you would pay when booking online or direct with the hotel. You will find heaps of travel ideas and inspiring itineraries over on our Travel Journal and please reach out to [email protected] to start planning.