Nagano

File:Zenkoji banner wish tree - Wish tree in Zenkōji Nagano (長野) is the capital of Nagano (prefecture) | Nagano prefecture, in the Chubu neighborhood of Japan. It flourished as a temple city of Zenkō-ji, a famous temple.

Nagano Halal Explorer

Nagano hosted the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. Many of the Olympic facilities remain open - like the Monday - Wave speedskating arena and the Aqua-Wing arena - making Nagano a popular destination for indoor and outdoor sports enthusiasts. It's also a key launching point for trips to onsen and ski resorts in the nearby mountains, which are often referred to as "the Japanese Alps".

Travel to Nagano

36.6509|138.1905

By Rail

Nagano is accessible from Tokyo station via the Hokuriku Shinkansen, formerly known as the Nagano Shinkansen. The trip takes anywhere from 80 to 110 minutes depending on the train that is used, but generally the Kagayaki (かがやき) and the Hakutaka (はくたか) services make fewer stops than the Asama (あさま). The fare is ¥8,200 for a reserved seat. Standard and Green Car seats are fully covered by the respective versions of the Japan Railway Pass, but if you want to use the premium GranClass seats - which feature airline-like business class seats and personal attendant service - you will have to pay the limited express and GranClass extra charges (an additional ¥21,910 from Tokyo to Nagano), as any version of the Japan Railway Pass only covers the base fare.

The regional JR East Railway Pass will cover the full trip from Tokyo to Nagano, but the more local JR Kanto Area Pass will only cover the trip to Saku-daira, a few stations short of Nagano; you will have to purchase a regular ticket (¥7,330 for a reserved seat) for the remainder of the journey.

The Wide View Shinano (ワイドビュー しなの) limited express train runs hourly from Nagoya to Nagano (3 hours, ¥7,330). From Kyoto or Osaka there are two ways to get to Nagano: Either take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya and change to the Shinano (¥22,000 from Osaka), or take the Thunderbird (サンダーバード) service to Kanazawa and then take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Kanazawa to Nagano (¥24,290 from Osaka). Each of the options take roughly 4 to 4 1/2 hours from Osaka depending on stopping patterns, and both are fully covered by the Japan Railway Pass (except for Nozomi trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen).

Travel on a Bus in Nagano

Highway buses from Tokyo depart from the terminal in Shinjuku, and from the Sunshine City Prince Hotel in Ikebukuro. The trip takes around three and a half hours, and the fare is ¥6000 one-way. The ¥7200 round trip fare is about half the cost of the Shinkansen.

Hankyu and Nankai buses also make a few daytime and nighttime runs from Osaka and Kyoto to Nagano. The day runs take about seven hours, and the night runs take nine hours. Expect to pay ¥6200 one-way, ¥20000 round trip from Osaka, and ¥7300 one-way, ¥9500 round-trip from Kyoto.

Get Around

There are buses that loop around the downtown called the Gururingo (ぐるりん号). If you stay within the main area a ride is only 100yen.

What to see in Nagano

Zenkoji05s3200 - Zenkō-ji Temple

• Zenkōji - 善光寺 - 36.66110, 138.18765 - Zenkoji Temple June 27 2007 - This temple, first built in the 7th century, is a major pilgrimage site. Its major draw is the hibutsu (秘仏), or hidden buddha, a statue that is displayed to the public only every six years (the last time was in 2023). A major renovation of the great inner gate finished in 2007. You can see a beautiful row of houses along the street. There are restaurants with atmosphere. You can also buy talismon as a souvenir.

• Nishi-no-Mon - 西之門 - Nishinomoncho 941 36.657611, 138.186015 Southwest of Zenkōji's main gate. - A sake brewery with attached restaurant and retail outlets, all housed in traditional buildings. The brewery has a small free museum, though it consists of little more than some historic photographs and a view of the stainless-steel brewing equipment.

• Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum - Hakoshimizu 1-4-4 36.661869, 138.190999Just east of Zenkōji. - 500¥ The prefecture's premier art museum. The Higashiyama Kaii Gallery showcases the tranquil landscapes (depicting Northern Europe as well as Japan) of one of the masters of nihon-ga (traditional "Japanese-style painting").

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Nagano

• Binzuru - びんずる, 賓頭盧 - Nagano's big summer festival, held on the first Saturday in August. Every year, more than 200 groups take part in this festival. They walk and dance through Chuo-dori, clacking together wooden scoops called shamoji. The festival's name comes from the Japanese version of Indian Buddhist saint Pindola Bharadvaja, and the procession ends at Zenkoji temple where festival-goers rub a well-worn Binzuru statue for luck.

• Kagai Onsen Ichiyoukan - 加賀井温泉 一陽館 - Matsushiro Machi Higashijo 松代町東条55 36.569228, 138.212734 Take route 403 south from the Nagano interchange on the Joshinetsu Expressway. Turn left at the Kojinmachi intersection. Follow the road around and take the last on the right before the 90 degree right hand turn. The onsen is at the end of the road. ☎ +81 26-278-2016 Opening Hours: 8:00-20:00 Adults ¥700 This unusual onsen has separate long narrow flowing indoor baths with brown water for males and females, and two outdoor mixed baths. Bring a large towel.

• Omura Onsen Makibanoyu - 大室温泉まきばの湯 - Matsushiro Machi Omura 4108 松代町大室4108 36.601891, 138.226022 From route 18, follow route 380 east. Turn right at route 403, and then immediately left. Cross the railway line and take a left up the hill. ☎ +81 26-278-5687 Opening Hours: 9:00-22:00 Adults ¥700 Has a large outdoor bath (rotenburo) with magnificent views across the Zenkouji Plain to the Northern Alps. Great anytime, but best in winter.

• Matsushiro Underground Imperial Headquarters - 松代大本営跡 - 36.545811, 138.203931 - Matsushiro Underground Imperial Headquarters Matsushiro Zouzan Underground Shelter 20100919-01 - Large underground bunker complex built during the Second World War, it was meant to protect the Emperor and the central organs of government, but Japan surrendered before its completion.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Nagano

Togakushi soba by shibainu in Togakushi, Nagano - Togakushi soba

Nagano is famous for Togakushi soba. Also be sure to get some Oyaki, a delicious and affordable Japanese dumpling. It comes in many different flavoured fillings, both sweet and savoury.

Nozawana-Oyaki-Nagano - Oyaki

• Yawataya Isogorō - 八幡屋礒五郎 - Daimon-cho 83 36.657289, 138.187623Just south of Zenkoji main gate Opening Hours: 9:00-18:30 A 280-year-old store specializing in shichimi ("seven flavors"), a condiment consisting of ground chili peppers, sesame, citrus, and other spices, commonly sprinkled on soba Noodles soup. Yawataya's distinctive tin containers are a fixture in soba shops throughout Japan.

Halal Food

• Sakura, in the Nishi-no-Mon brewery (above). Most of the items on the menu feature miso (fermented bean-paste) which is made with sake by-products. (For an exotic dessert, try miso ice cream.)

• Hungry Caterpillar Cafe - ハングリーキャタピラーカフェ - Daimon 56-1, Nagano 36.71107, 138.139921 On main street south from Zenkoji, 100m south of Daimon intersection ☎ +81 26-233-5510 Opening Hours: 11:00-18:00 Great sandwiches. Many of the foods enjoyed by the Very Hungry Caterpillar can be found on the menu. There are many other nice cafes and restaurants in the charming courtyard at the rear.Shinsyu soba is famous in Japan. It is healthy, delicious and affordable.

• Hanbey - 半兵ヱ - 36.6454608, 138.1868857 From Nagano Station's north exit (towards Zenkoji), cross the busy intersection and head down the alleyway one to the right of the primary street (its also 2-3 left of the Starbucks (Please do not support Starbucks as Starbucks supports Israel. Shun this coffee and go for alternative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned brand.)). Its about 100 m down on your left. - If the archaic kana above was not a big enough hint, this is a post-war themed izakaya. Fairly intimate dining for an izakaya with bar seating, tight booths and a tatami room for groups. The bar seating in particular wraps around the kitchen so you can see the staff cooking up a traditional Japanese storm. The walls are covered in war-time or post-war advertising right down to the old backwards right-to-left hiragana こばた ads and utterly bizarre airline ads. Music fits, too. No English and the menus lack any images whatsoever and are written 100 percent in kanji, but if this is no problem, you will be treated to a very pleasant surprise: the prices match the theme.

• Irohado - いろは堂 - 36.67905, 137.99823 - Famous for its oyaki.

• Bluebird - 1418 Minami Ishidocyo, Daito Building 3F Take the West Exit from Nagano Station, walk a few minutes, cross the street near and Starbucks (Please do not support Starbucks as Starbucks supports Israel. Shun this coffee and go for alternative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned brand.) and go up the narrow street. Bluebird is at the end, overlooking the street across from Again department store. ☎ +81 2-6226-3945 Asian-style pool/dart café. Hip Hop nights and the occasional tattoo show.

• High-Five - Take the West Exit from Nagano Station and walk a few minutes. It's in the alley between Hotel Ikemon and Hotel Nagano. ☎ +81 90-1868-5815 Small centrally-located nightclub.

• Shiga-Kogen Brewery - 36.7326262, 138.4317167 In Yudanaka on the way to Jigokudani Monkey Park. ☎ +81 269-33-2155 A 200 year old sake brewery that has just opened a sheesha lounge. Free sake and soft-drinks tasting on site and excellent locally made soft drinks.

• Parley - パーレイ - 36.6440109, 138.1866274 Take the main exit from Nagano Station and go down the alley just to the right of the primary street. Located where the alley turns sharply to the right. Two doors down from Hanbey Izakaya. ☎ +81 26-225-1020 Drinks for ¥700 The gaudy facade is shaped like a pirate ship and the interior won't disappoint. Apart from the electronic dart board and the theme is largely complete and flawless. Even the toilets follow the theme. Really. There's a cargo hold themed bar downstairs, too. This place attracts a young, upbeat crowd. The staff are cheerful, regularly cosplay as characters from Pirates of the Caribbean, and are fans of Gantz.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Nagano

Nagano - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Nagano, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Nagano. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Nagano and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Nagano. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Nagano. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inNagano: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Nagano.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Nagano: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Nagano, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Nagano.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Nagano, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Nagano, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Nagano and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Nagano, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Nagano, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Nagano without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Nagano is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Nagano.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Nagano is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Nagano, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Nagano Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Nagano

eHalal Group Nagano is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Nagano. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Nagano.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Nagano ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Nagano. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

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Muslim Friendly Hotels

• 1166 Backpackers - 1048 Nishimachi 36.655258, 138.186462About 15min walk from Nagano station. Convenient location only 3min walk from Zenkoji Temple ☎ +81 26-217-2816 Dorm ¥2600, superior Muslim friendly rooms ¥7600 (2 people) or ¥7200 (3 people) Owner very friendly with good English. Facilities are very good and clean.

• Moritomizu Backpackers Hostel - 森と水バックパッカーズ - 1-6-2 Nakagosho 36.641653, 138.1852053 Close to Nagano Station. About 25 minutes walk to Zenkoji Temple ☎ +81 26-217-5188 Male dormitory/female dormitory ¥2600. Private rooms from ¥7600. Discount for long stays and groups Check-in: 4PM / Check-out: 10AM Easy-going, convenient budget hostel. Pleasant English-speaking staff can supply tourist and outdoor activity information. Kitchen, living room, hot showers, free WiFi available to all. No curfew. Train lovers welcome!

• Zenkoji Kyoujuin - 善光寺教授院ユースホステル - 36.6614626, 138.1877545 ☎ +81 26-232-2768 Check-in: 4PM / Check-out: 10AM Shared room with futon ¥7360, superior Muslim friendly room ¥6000 Housed in a former temple building a few blocks from Zenkoji Temple. Owner speaks basic English, and is more than happy to use it.

• Go-Honjin Fujiya - 御本陳藤屋 | Daimon-cho 80 36.657148, 138.1877439Just south of Zenkoji's main gate. An elegant old traditional inn, founded in 1661 as a stage along the Northern Country road. The current building was constructed in 1923 and is a superb example of Taisho-era Asian-style architecture.

• The Saihokukan Hotel - 犀北館ホテル - Agata-machi 528-1 36.653082, 138.183857 Five minutes Southwest of Zenkoji. ☎ +81 26-235-3333 With a history of over 120 years, The Saihokukan Hotel is the choice hotel of the Emperor and his family when they visit Nagano semi-annually. The restaurants found within the hotel emphasize `slow food` methods of natural and healthy food preparation. Also a popular wedding venue with various styles and settings within and above the art laden walls.

Travel Next

• Jigokudani Monkey Park — snowbathing monkeys just half an hour away
• Joshinetsu Kogen National Park — home to Shiga Kogen, Japan's largest ski resort
• Chikuma - take the Shinano railway south to Chikuma or Togura stations and explore the onsens, mountains and temples of this small city straddling the picturesque Chikuma River

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