Nagano City Hotels, Ryokan & Temple Lodgings
Nagano City (see map below) was initially a temple town whose development was centred on Zenkoji Temple, the grand 1,400 year-old National Treasure that continues to draw millions of people of all Buddhist sects to make pilgrimages to visit its many ancient religious structures and artifacts. Nagano is more known worldwide as the site of the 1998 Olympic Winter Games and much of the legacy of that event remains. Tourists can find plenty of cheap Nagano accommodation that is centrally located and visit venues such as the Big Hat ice arena (which continues to host ice hockey games), the White Ring, the figure skating site, and M-Wave, where the speed skating competition took place and the local Olympic Museum now resides. Modern infrastructure improvements, such as the Shinkansen line from Nagano city to Tokyo, is also evident (see Nagano station map below) Nagano is located over 200 kilometres north-west of Tokyo and it's airport and 260 kilometers northeast of Nagoya. It is the home to 360,000 people and is the capital of the prefecture of the same name. Nagano has relatively fewer attractions than some of the more famous Japanese tourist meccas; however, the city's location amongst the Japan Alps helps provide a unique variety of sites with historical, cultural, and natural characteristics that is hard to match elsewhere in the country. Nagano's natural environment also draws skiers to resorts in the nearby Japan Alps such as Myoko Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, Shiga Kogen and Hakuba. Nature lovers, bird watchers and hikers are attracted by the region's many parks and forests such as in Togakushi Village. Deep within the Joshin-Etsu Kogen National Park is also a famous small valley called Jigokudani Yaen-koen where, during the winter, visitors can walk amongst hundreds of wild Japanese Macaques who come down from the mountains to warm themselves in the hot springs by the Yokoyu River. Golf is also a popular pastime in Nagano with many high quality courses. Finally there are always plenty of onsen to relax in such as Akakura Onsen, Shibu Onsen, Yudanaka Onsen and Togura-Kamiyamada Onsen. Zenkoji Temple is still, by far, the top attraction of the region and the heart of the city. The city was previously known as Shinano before the arrival of the Ikkou Sanzon Amida Nyorai, the Amida Golden Triad, believed to be the first image of the Buddha in Japan. The sacred image inspired the construction of the temple during the seventh century and the city has developed around it ever since. The road to the temple is lined with shukubo - the kind of lodging that is traditionally attached to a Japanese temple. A shukubo is similar to traditional Japanese inns but at a shukubo you can join in morning prayers with the temple monks and eat shojin ryori - the special austere, vegetarian meal for monks. Another cultural and historical attraction is the Matsushiro district in the southern part of the city. Matsushiro has many samurai residences and Buddhist temples to visit. Of more recent historical interest are the World War II tunnels dug into the base of the local mountains, the result of a last desparate plan to protect the imperial family, government, and military headquarters from what seemed to be an inevitable invasion of the country at the end of that turbulent period. We hope you will enjoy your stay in Nagano City! |
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Chuoukan Shimizuya Ryokan This traditional and popular ryokan has over 160 years of history and is located in the centre of Nagano - just a few minutes walk from the Zenkoji temple and a 20 minute walk from Nagano station. There are single rooms, double rooms and rooms for 3 and 4 persons available. Internet access available. Map to Chuoukan Shimizuya Ryokan, Nagano |
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Zenkoji Tokugyoubou is located right in the grounds of Zenkoji Temple. It is a shukubo - the kind of lodging that is traditionally attached to a Japanese temple. A shukubo is similar to traditional Japanese inns but at a shukubo you can join in morning prayers with the temple monks and eat shojin ryori - the special austere, vegetarian meal for monks. The rooms are traditional Japanese rooms with tatami mats and a light cotton yukata is offered for sleeping. No credit cards accepted. Map to Zenkoji Tokugyoubou, Nagano |
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Matsuya Ryokan is an amazing traditional inn located right at the heart of Zenkoji Temple. Matsuya is recommended for those who love to have a taste of very traditional Japanese culture, architectural design and value for money. There is a Jizo statue related to the Zenko-ji Temple at the entrance. As it is a traditional ryokan, there is no internet access. This popular establishment also offers private reservable rotemburo (outdoor baths). Map to Matsuya Ryokan, Nagano |
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Toyoko Inn Nagano-eki Zenkoji-guchi is a modern budget accommodation option in Nagano City. It is only three minutes walk from Nagano Station on the way to Zenkoji Temple. Toyoko Inn has a no-smoking floor for and all rooms are equipped with internet connecting jack (free of charge). Breakfast is included in the rate. Map to Toyoko Inn Nagano-eki Zenkoji-guchi |
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Sunroute Royal Hotel Nagano Boasting a pleasant ambience and comfortable accommodation, Sunroute Royal Hotel Nagano is an ideal place for business as well as leisure travellers. This property offers modern guestrooms and is situated in the heart of the city right across from the JR Nagano Station and the Nagano Metro, while the famous Zenko-ji Temple is only ten minutes by taxi. You can visit the city and its attractions at your leisure. A free shuttle service to Iizuna Resort Ski Area is available in winter. Map to Sunroute Hotel, Nagano |
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Sunroute Hotel Higashiguchi, Nagano This comfortable Nagano City business hotel is only a minute's walk from the JR Nagano Station and the Nagano Metro/Bus system. Single rooms are equipped with semi double-sized beds and some rooms are designated for non-smokers Note: Do not confuse this hotel with the one listed above! |
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Hotel JAL City Nagano Hotel JAL City Nagano is a modern business hotel close to Nagano station on Zenkoji Omotesandou in Nagano City. For business travellers, the hotel is conveniently located and for tourists, it provides easy access to the Zenkoji, National Treasure, and Higashiyama Kaii gallery. In winter it provides a shuttle service to Iizuna Resort Ski Area Read Hotel JAL City Nagano reviews Map to Hotel JAL City, Nagano |
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Saihokukan Hotel Saihokukan Hotel is situated between Nagano Station and Zenkoji Temple, - the perfect place to stay for sightseeing. Inside the hotel there are five original restaurants and themed bars adding to its original atmosphere and a feeling of local history. Map to Saihokukan Hotel, Nagano City |
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Hotel Nagano Avenue Well situated in downtown Nagano City, the Hotel Nagano Avenue offers communal baths and saunas with a stunning vista. Some rooms can be booked that are exclusively for non-smokers. For those into gadgetry all the guestrooms have hi-tech Japanese toilets! Map to Hotel Nagano Avenue |
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Kokusai21 Hotel Nagano Blending pleasant ambience and cosy atmosphere, Kokusai21 Hotel Nagano is an ideal place for business as well as leisure travellers, with English speaking staff on hand. Situated in the heart of the city, the Kokusai 21 Hotel Nagano is ten minutes drive from the Nagano Station as well as being within walking distance to the famous Zenko-ji Temple. Check reviews on Kokusai 21 Hotel Map to Kokusai 21 Hotel, Nagano |
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Holiday Inn Express Nagano
This modern twelve-storey business hotel has 138 rooms and is just a five minute walk from the Zenkoji Exit at JR Nagano Station. Holiday Inn Express is also convenient to shopping, restaurants, and temples. Their restaurant offers magnificent views of the Japan Alps Check reviews of Holiday Inn Express Map to Holiday Inn Express, Nagano |
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Shinshu Matsushiro Royal Hotel
Shinshu Matsushiro Royal Hotel is located in the south of Nagano City and close to the old samurai area Matsushiro where a Samurai House and Castle still exist. Guests can play tennis or relax in the sauna during their free time. |
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Family Ryokan Umeoka A comfortable and homely style Japanese Inn. Well located in the centre of Nagano City Map to Family Ryokan Umeoka |
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Hotel Metropolitan Hotel Metropolitan offers excellent value with a good location right in front of Nagano Station. There are 265 rooms in total as well as five bars/restaurants. Helpful English speaking staff are ever present to ensure that foreign guests get the best out of their trip in Nagano. Check Reviews of Hotel Metropolitan Watch a video of Hotel Metropolitan in Nagano (Japanese only). |
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Comfort Hotel Nagano
The Comfort Hotel Nagano is a budget price hotel in a convenient location, only three minutes walk from Nagano Station. It offers free in-room internet access as well a free continental breakfast.Each well appointed room is cozy, clean and comfortable. The hotel’s business friendly facilities include copy and fax machine, high speed internet access, in room desk and free parking. The comfort and convenience on offer at the Comfort Hotel sets the scene for a pleasant stay in Nagano. Check Comfort Hotel Nagano reviews Map to the Comfort Hotel Nagano |
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New-Yama Hotel, Nagano City
New-Yama Hotel in Nagano City is a high-quality economy hotel that offers reasonable accommodation rates. Located in the Nagano city centre New-Yama Hotel is also close to the famous Zenkoji Temple. Convenient for business, sightseeing and group travel. Only three minutes walk from the nearby convenience store and Itoyokado supermarket. Map to New-Yama Hotel, Nagano City |
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Mielparque Nagano The Mielparque is a modern hotel just a short five-minute from Nagano Station. Guests have a choice of western or Japanese style rooms and there is a large public bath available. Map to Mielparque Nagano Read Mielparque reviews |
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Hotel Annex
Cheap and comfortable place to stay in Central Nagano. Five minutes walk from Nagano Station |
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Hotel Daini Route-Inn Nagano
Affordable business hotel in Nagano City - ten minutes by taxi from Nagano Station |
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Hotel Route-Inn Nagano Daiichi
A comfortable business hotel just ten minutes by taxi from Nagano Station |
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Smile Hotel Nagano
Affordable price and friendly service with a smile. All the big guest rooms come complete with free LAN connection. The hotel serves a light breakfast and have ample amenities. Ten minutes walk to Nagano Station. |
Nagano Hotels & Sightseeing MapView a larger Nagano Hotels & Sightseeing Map |
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Nagano Station Map - See here for Tokyo to Nagano access
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