Chubu Region

Lake Ashi, also known as Ashinoko, is a scenic crater lake in the Hakone area of Japan, surrounded by mountains and offering breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji on clear days. The Lake Ashi Cruise is a popular activity where travelers can enjoy a peaceful boat ride across the lake on unique pirate-style ships. The cruise connects key Hakone destinations like Hakone-machi and Togendai, allowing passengers to soak in natural beauty, fresh air, and iconic sights like the Hakone Shrine’s red torii gate standing in the water.

Sailing across the calm waters, you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas that blend volcanic landscapes with serene lake scenery. The atmosphere is especially magical in the early morning or late afternoon, when the sun casts a golden glow over Mt. Fuji in the distance. Along the way, don’t miss photo stops at lakeside parks or a short hike through cedar-lined paths near the shrine. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, Lake Ashi offers an ideal escape into nature with a touch of cultural charm.

Get up close with Japan’s famous wild snow monkeys at Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano. Watch them bathe in natural hot springs during winter, surrounded by snowy landscapes. It’s a one-of-a-kind wildlife experience combining nature and culture, perfect for families and nature lovers.

Located deep in the mountains of the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, the park is home to a troop of Japanese macaques who’ve become world-renowned for their unique behavior—soaking in steaming onsen (hot springs) to stay warm during the harsh, snowy winters. These clever primates are uncaged and roam freely, offering visitors an intimate, natural encounter that’s unlike any zoo experience.

The journey to the park involves a scenic 25–30 minute walk through a serene forest trail, especially picturesque in winter when everything is blanketed in snow. Along the way, you’ll witness untouched nature and perhaps spot other wildlife native to the region.

The park is open year-round, but the winter months (December to March) offer the most iconic view of snow monkeys relaxing in the hot waters with snowflakes dusting their fur — a truly postcard-worthy moment. Educational displays at the park also explain the behavior and social dynamics of these intelligent creatures.

Whether you’re a photographer, a wildlife enthusiast, or just looking for a unique and peaceful adventure, Jigokudani Monkey Park promises a magical and unforgettable experience in the heart of Japan’s mountains.

Visit the historic Zenko-ji Temple, one of Japan’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples. With a history spanning over 1,400 years, this sacred site offers a peaceful spiritual atmosphere, striking wooden architecture, and a unique underground passage experience that symbolizes rebirth.

Located in the heart of Nagano City, Zenko-ji is a revered pilgrimage site that welcomes people of all faiths and backgrounds. Founded in the 7th century, the temple enshrines what is believed to be the first Buddhist statue ever brought to Japan — the “Ikkō Sanzon”—though” the original image is hidden from public view and only revealed once every seven years during a sacred ceremony called Gokaicho.

As you enter the temple grounds, you’ll be awed by the massive wooden main hall (hondō), designated a National Treasure of Japan. The hall is intricately crafted, exuding spiritual energy and old-world beauty. Its grand scale and design reflect the enduring importance of Zenko-ji to Japanese culture and religion.

One of the most fascinating and symbolic parts of a visit is walking through the okaidan meguri, the pitch-black underground passage beneath the main altar. As visitors feel their way in complete darkness, the objective is to locate the “key to paradise”—a” metal latch attached to the wall — believed to grant spiritual enlightenment and rebirth to those who find it.