Jigokudani Monkey Park

 Introduction

Jigokudani Monkey Park is a tourist spot where you can see wild Japanese macaques bathing in hot springs. It is famous as a winter tradition in Japan and is loved by many people.

The charm of Jigokudani Monkey Park

1 Wild Japanese macaques: At Jigokudani Monkey Park, wild Japanese macaques live in a natural environment. There are hot springs and feeding grounds in the park, and the Japanese macaques are free to move around.

2 Close-up observation: At Jigokudani Monkey Park, you can observe Japanese macaques from a relatively close distance. There is a walking path and an observatory in the park, and you can see how the monkeys live up close.

Coexistence with 3 hot springs: Jigokudani Monkey Park is adjacent to Yamadera Onsen. There is a park in the hot spring area, and the Japanese macaques sometimes bathe in the hot springs.

Recommended spots around Jigokudani Monkey Park

Jigokudani Monkey Park is also surrounded by tourist attractions such as Yudanaka Onsen and Shiga Kogen.

Access information

About 40 minutes by bus from JR Nagano Station, get off at Snow Monkey Park, then walk 35 minutes.

Here is a website where you can obtain detailed information about Jigokudani Monkey Park.

https://jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp/

Zenkoji Temple

 Introduction

Zenkoji Temple in Nagano Prefecture is loved by many people with Ikko Sanzon Amida Nyorai, which is said to be the oldest Buddhist statue in Japan, as its principal object of worship.

Charm of Zenkoji

It is a temple with a history of over 1,400 years. The main hall of Zenkoji is designated as a national treasure of Japan. This magnificent structure is a masterpiece of Buddhist art and attracts many devotees and tourists. At Zenkoji, a special event called Gokaicho is held approximately every seven years. During this period, the principal image enshrined in the Amida-do Hall inside the temple is open to the public, and many worshipers visit.

Recommended spots around Zenkoji Temple

Nearby spots include Shinshu Zenkoji Nakamise Street, Zenkoji Omotesando Shopping Street, and Nishinomon Yoshinoya.

Access information

It takes about 15 minutes by bus bound for Zenkoji from JR Nagano Station.

Here is a website where you can obtain detailed information about Zenkoji Temple.

https://www.zenkoji.jp/

Oshino Hakkai

 A trip to touch the underground water and history of Mt. Fuji at Oshino Hakkai

Oshino Hakkai, located at the foot of Mt. Fuji, is a group of springs that are designated as a national natural monument and registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site. Mt.Fuji's subterranean water springs out of the ground into the eight ponds, each of which is beautifully transparent, and the reflection of Mt.Fuji and the surrounding scenery on the surface of the water is truly spectacular. Oshino Hakkai has long been known as a sacred place for Mt. Fuji worship, and many legends and cultures remain. This time, we will introduce the charm and history of Oshino Hakkai, as well as recommended spots and gourmet information in the surrounding area.

Characteristics of Oshino Hakkai

Oshino Hakkai is said to have sprung up after the underground water of Mt. Fuji was filtered. As a result, the water is very clean and delicious, and maintains a constant temperature of about 13 degrees throughout the year. Oshino Hakkai consists of eight ponds: Deguchi Pond, Okama Pond, Sokonashi Pond, Choshi Pond, Waku Pond, Nigori Pond, Kagami Pond, and Shobu Pond.

Recommended spots and gourmet around Oshino Hakkai

After exploring Oshino Hakkai, enjoy the recommended spots and gourmet food in the surrounding area. First, you can learn about the history and culture of Oshino Village at the Hanokibayashi Folklore Museum, which is within walking distance from Oshino Hakkai. Agricultural tools and daily necessities used since the Edo period are on display, giving you a glimpse of what life was like back then.

Around Oshino Hakkai, you can enjoy local ingredients and specialty products. "Oshino soba" grown in the water of Oshino Hakkai is characterized by its smooth texture and aroma. In addition, there are many other gourmet dishes using Oshino Hakkai water, such as "Oshino Kusamochi", "Oshino Yusui Tofu", and "Oshino Hakkai Soft Serve Ice Cream".

Access information

Take the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station and get off at Otsuki Station (about 90 minutes)

Take the Fujikyu Otsuki Line from Otsuki Station and get off at Mt.Fuji Station (about 50 minutes)

From Mt.Fuji Station

Take the "Route Bus [bound for Uchino]" and get off at the "Oshino Hakkai Iriguchi" bus stop.

Take the "Route Bus [Bound for Hirano via FANUC]" or "Fujikko" and get off at the "Oshino Hakkai (Ohashi)" bus stop.

If you come by express bus

From Shinjuku Station, take the Chuo Highway Bus [bound for Fuji Five Lakes] and get off at the Oshino Hakkai bus stop (approximately 140 minutes)

summary

Oshino Hakkai is a group of beautiful springs that spring from the underground water of Mt. Fuji. Oshino Hakkai is also an important place as a sacred place for Mt. Fuji worship, and many legends and cultures remain. In the Oshino Hakkai area, you can enjoy spots and gourmet foods where you can feel history and nature. At Oshino Hakkai, why not take a trip to touch the underground water of Mt. Fuji and its history?

Here is a website where you can obtain detailed information about Oshino Hakkai.

https://www.oshino-navi.com/