Chikuma

Sarashina-jinja torii - Torii at the Sarashina Shrine

Chikuma (千曲市 Chikuma-shi) is a city in Nagano.

Chikuma Halal Travel Guide

Chikuma City was formed in 2003 from the amalgamation of Koshoku City in its northern parts with the historic onsen towns of Togura and Kamiyamada in the south. This southern part of the city, known locally as Togura Kamiyamada Onsen ], boasts numerous traditional ryokans (inns), ancient temples and shrines, seven public onsen bathhouses, a history of geisha entertainment that lives on today, and numerous natural features such as mountains, forest, hiking trails and picnic spots. In the west of the city and the areas known as Obasute and Yawata provide other historical and cultural attractions including the famous moon viewing Rice paddies of Obasute and the Takemizuwake Shrine in Yawata. In the east of the city is the village of Mori, often called Anzu no Sato, or Apricot Village, because of the wealth of Apricots trees that blossom profusely in spring.

With a population of about 62,000, Chikuma is a small city by Japanese standards, and has urban areas mixed in among the forests, orchards and Rice paddies. It's a great place to experience a different aspect of Japan than what you find in the big city's or on the regular tourist trail. Maximum daily temperatures average between about 15C and 20C in April, 25C and 31C in July, 18C and 21C in October, and 0C and 5C in January. Most years see 850mm to 1100mm of rain falling, with the winter months being the driest.

Tourist information

• Chikuma City Tourism Association and Information Centre - 千曲市総合観光会館 Kamiyamada Onsen 2-12-10 36.4784161, 138.1445531 ☎ +81 26-276-2241 +81 26-275-3678

How to travel to Chikuma

Travel by train to Chikuma

Chikuma has one JR station at Obasute on the Shinonoi Line, and four stations on the Shinano Railway: Yashirokokomae, Yashiro, Chikuma and Togura.

• From Nagano, take the Shinano Railway from Nagano Station. There are trains about every 30 minutes. ¥730 to ¥790.
• From Matsumoto, take the JR Shinonoi line to Shinonoi then change to the Shinano Railway. About 1 hour, ¥2,300.
• From Tokyo, take the Nagano Shinkansen to Ueda (Nagano) and change to the Shinano Railway. The fare to Togura with an unreserved seat on the Shinkansen costs ¥6310 one way (about 2 hours)
• From Osaka or Kyoto, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya and then the JR Chuo Line and JR Shinonoi lines to Shinonoi and then take the Shinano Railway. The fare from Osaka to Togura with unreserved seats is ¥20,630 (about 4 hours), and slightly less from Kyoto.
• From Niigata take the Joetsu Shinkansen to Takasaki and then the JR Nagano Shinkansen to Ueda (Nagano) and change to the Shinano Railway. The fare to Togura with unreserved seats is ¥20,740 (about 2.5 hours). Alternatively, for ¥6,490, take the Shinkansen Max Toki to Nagaoka and the JR Limited Express to Naoetsu and the JR Shinetsu Line to Nagano, and then the Shinano Railway (4.5 hours).
• From Kanazawa or Toyama take the JR Hokuriku line to Naoetsu and then the JR Shinetsu line to Nagano and then the Shinano Railway. The fare to Togura with unreserved seats is ¥6,960 (about 4.5 hours), while from Toyama it is ¥7,590 (about 4 hours).

Travel on a Bus in Chikuma

Chikuma doesn't have its own bus station per se, but does have three stops which are served by intercity buses.

• Yashiro (上信越道屋代), on the Joshinetsu Expressway, is the stop for buses from Tokyo. Alpico Bus company runs 15 buses per day between Shinjuku Station and Nagano, /nagano_shinjuku/#timetable. 3 hrs 20 mins, ¥7,700 one way / ¥6,660 return.
• Naganodo Koshoku Interchange and Naganodo Obasute parking area are both stops on the Nagano Expressway for buses from elsewhere.

• From Kyoto, Alpico/Hankyu runs a night bus to Nagano /nagano_osaka/]. 7.5 hours, ¥7,900 one way / ¥20,000 return.
• From Osaka, Alpico/Hankyu runs 2 buses per day to Nagano, /nagano_osaka/]. 7 hours (day bus) or 8.5 hours (night bus). ¥6,500 one way / ¥21,000 return.
• From Matsumoto, Alpico/Meitetsu has 4 buses per day to Nagano /nagano_nagoya/]. About 55 mins.
• From Nagoya, Alpico Bus has 4 buses per day to Nagano /nagano_nagoya/] 4 hrs 40 mins, ¥6,500 one way / ¥7,000 return.

By car

The nearest highway interchanges are Koshoku IC, at the north end of town, and Sakaki IC, a few kilometers south of town. Both are connected to the city via Route 18.

• From Tokyo, exit the Joushinetsu Expressway at Sakaki IC (total travel duration about 2.5-3 hours)
• From Kyoto or Osaka, take the Meishin Expressway to Komaki Junction and then the Chuo Expressway to Okaya Junction and then follow the Nagano Expressway, exit at Koshoku IC. About 5 hours from Kyoto or 6 from Osaka.
• From Kanazawa, Toyama, or Niigata take the Hokuriku Expressway to Joetsu junction then follow the Joshinetsu Expressway to the Koshoku IC (3 hours from Niigata, 3.5 from Toyama, 4.5 from Kanazawa)
• From Nagoya, take the Chuo Expressway from Komaki Junction towards Tokyo. At the Okaya Junction, turn on to the Nagano Expressway, exit at Koshoku IC (total travel duration about 2-2.5 hours)

How to get around In Chikuma

Travel on a Bus in Chikuma

Chikuma City Council runs an extensive local bus network connecting various parts of the city and stopping at all the train stations. Be aware that most lines run less than once per hour, so be sure to pick up a schedule if you are going to be relying on them. The main routes are:

From Yashiro Station

• No. 1-2 : Chikuma Station, Togura Station, Kamiyamada, Yawata and Inariyama
• No. 3 : Anzu no Sato, Chikuma City Council Office (only some buses).
• No. 5 : JR Obasute Station via Inariyama and Yawata
• No. 6 : Inariyama and Oodahara

From Chikuma Station

• No. 4 : Yashiro Station, JR Obasute Station

From Chikuma City Council Togura branch

• No. 7 : Kamiyamada, Togura Station and JR Obasute Station
• No. 8 : Goka and Togura Station.
• No. 9 : Togura Station

Travel by train to Chikuma

The Shinano Railway runs through the city along the east side of the Chikuma River. Stations from north to south are Yashirokokomae, Yashiro, Chikuma and Togura. Fares between these stations range from ¥290 to ¥240.

By bike

The Chikuma River valley is quite flat and is great for getting around on a bike. Bikes can be hired from Kamesei Ryokan. A cycle path goes along the west side of the river from the northern to the southern end of the city, providing excellent views of the river, various neighbourhoods, and the surrounding mountains. Plenty of other sights and attractions also are accessible by bike.

What to See

Temples and shrines

• Chourakuji Temple - 長楽寺 | Yawata 4984 36.504611, 138.095528 Follow route 77 north from Kamiyamada along the west side of the Chikuma River. Turn left at Yawatakamimachi (八幡上町) intersection onto the Sakaki-Koshoku Bypass (Route 18). Turn left at Sainomori (斉の森) intersection and follow the road up the hill to the temple ☎ +81 26-273-3578 - This temple has magnificent thatched roof buildings including a moon viewing temple used by the poet Bassho to write haiku. Behind the temple is the large rock Oba-iwa from which you can get great views across the valley.

• Zenko-ji Daihongan Branch Temple - 善光寺大本願別院 Zenkou-ji Daihongan Betsuin | Kamiyamada 3510-7 36.4785411, 138.138178 Take route 498 out of Togura Kamiyamada Onsen and drive about 5 min. up the hill. Or you can walk up in about 20 minutes ☎ +81 26-275-1757 - A sprawling complex on the hill above the Togura Kamiyamada Onsen with good views across the valley.

• Chishiki Temple - 智識寺 Chishiki-ji | 36.4660127, 138.1404579 Take Route 77 south from Togura Kamiyamada Onsen, turn right at Mezawa intersection. The temple is about 1 kilometers up the road on the right ☎ +81 26-275-1753 - A quaint semi-rural temple with a Goddess image that is only shown in public once per year.

• Fukei Temple - 普携寺 | Kamiyamada 2454 36.474257, 138.1389942 Starting at the Joyama Intersection on Route 77 in Kamiyamada, head south. Take the first on the right. After 250m, turn left and then instantly right. The temple is about 100m up the hill - This recently renovated temple has a beautifully crafted main gate and bell tower. A five metre stone statue of Kannon, Goddess of Mercy and Bodhisattva of Compassion, gazes out over the Chikuma River valley from below the main gate.

• Takemizuwake Shrine - 武水分神社 Takemizuwake Jinja | Yawata 3012 36.519467, 138.102975 From Kamiyamada, head north on route 77 along the west side of the river. Keep following 77 past the Yawatasuji intersection. The large stone torii for the shrine is right in the middle of the road. Drive through the torii and go straight ahead for the vehicle park. - This large shrine complex has been holding the Daitousai festival (usually held on 15 September) for over 400 hundred years, and the current buildings date from 1850. The grounds are resplendent with massive cedar and other trees, as well as numerous statues.

Castles and tombs

• Joyama Historic Park and Arata Castle - 城山史跡公園荒砥城跡 Joyama Shiseki Koen Arata Joseki | 36.4789773, 138.1367465 Take route 498 out of Togura Kamiyamada Onsen, about a 10 minutes drive ☎ +81 26-275-5180 - The site of a historic castle used in the Warring States perioid (1500s). It was destroyed in the Battles of Kawanakajima, and restored in 1995. Fabulous views of the Chikuma River valley.

• Mori Shogunzuka Keyhole Tomb - 森将軍塚古墳 Mori Shogun-zuka Kofun | Yashiro 29-1 36.53135, 138.137228 Turn east at the Awasa intersection on route 18 and after about 2 kilometers you will see the Agri Park on your left and the history museum and vehicle park on your right ☎ +81 26-274-3400 Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 9AM Monday - 5PM, closed Monday and the day after public holidays Adults ¥200, middle school students and younger free This very interesting tomb of an ancient ruler is about 1600 years old, and was beautifully restored in the 1980s. This 100 m-long tomb is perched high on a hill just east of the Shinkansen line and opposite the Anzu no Sato Agri Park. At the base of the site is Shinano no Sato Historic Park, depicting a village from the same era, and the Nagano Prefectural History Museum. Both are worth a visit, although English information is minimal.

Museums

• Nishizawa Piggy Bank Museum - にしざわ貯金箱かん Nishizawa Chokinbako-kan | Kamiyamada Onsen 3-10-5 上山田温泉 3-10-5 From the Kamiyamada Cultural Hall intersection, go west on Manyo-dori and turn at the second on the left into Koen-dori. The museum will be on the right ☎ +81 26 213 4612 +81 26-275-1505 Opening Hours: 9:00-17:30, closed on Mondays Adults ¥600, primary and middle school aged children ¥600

• Togura Kamiyamada Onsen Museum - 戸倉上山田温泉資料館 Togura-Kamiyamada Onsen Shiryou-kan | Kamiyamda Onsen 4-1-8, 上山田温泉4-1-8 ☎ +81 26 275 1001 Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00 Monday - Friday; closed weekends and holidays Free

• Shuzo Collection Sake Museum - 酒造コレクション Shuzou Korekushon | Togura 1855-1 The place with the big thatched roof on route 18 at the Togura Station intersection. From Togura Station, walk west 200m ☎ +81 26-275-2923 Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00 Free

• Kurashikan Museum - 蔵し館 | Inariyama 931; 稲荷山931 ☎ +81 26-272-2726 +81 26-272-2726 Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00 Adults ¥200; High school age ¥200; others free A beautifully restored traditional building with a fascinating museum out the back.

• Koshoku Furusato Cartoon Museum - 漫画館 | Inariyama 2181-1; 稲荷山2181-1 ☎ +81 26-273-5639 Opening Hours: 9:00-16:30; closed Mondays and the day after national holidays Adults ¥200; High school age ¥200; others free Focusing on the work of the political cartoonist Hidezo Kondo.

• Nagano Prefectural Museum of History - 長野県立歴史館 | Yashiro 260-6; 屋代260-6 36.533917, 138.135139 On route 392 about 400m west of the Yokomachi intersection ☎ +81 26-274-2000 Opening Hours: 9.00-17.00 Closed Mondays, days following national holiday and end of year period. Adults ￥300 A comprehensive museum with a permanent display room, a special exhibitions room, a library reading and reference room, a visual media room, and a lecture hall.

Blossoms

• Togura Juku Kitty Park - 戸倉宿キティパーク | Due east of the Togura train station - Thit is a very pretty park that has a great display of exquisite white cherry blossoms in spring. It is also a good place for a picnic, and there is play equipment for the kids. Beautiful lawns and a nice view across the Chikuma River valley from the pavilion at the top of the park.

• Mori Apricot Blossoms - 森・あんずの里 | Apricotsvillage Turn east at the Awasa intersection on Route 18 and follow the signs ☎ +81 26-275-1753 (Information Centre) - The best time to view the blossoms is in early April. Good viewing places include Sketch Park (スケッチパーク) and Uwadaira Viewpoint (上平展望台).

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Chikuma

Festivals

• Togura Kamiyamada Onsen Summer Festival - 戸倉上山田温泉夏祭り | Opening Hours: 3rd week of July Enjoy lion dances, drum performances, fireworks and the spectacle of portable shrines being paraded through the streets.

• Togura Fireworks Festival | Opening Hours: 1st week of August Listen to the big booms echoing up and down the valley during the massive fireworks display and eat your fill from the numerous food stalls.

• Jomon Festival | Opening Hours: Last Sunday of October See reenactments from prehistoric times at the Sarashina no Sato Ancient Experience Park.

Onsen

Soak up the atmosphere and steam away your worries at one of the public bathhouses:

• Kara Koro Footbath - カラコロの湯 Karakoro no Yu | Chuo-dori - Kamiyamada 36.4808497, 138.1434064 You can soak your feet for free in this footbath onsen.

• Zuisho - 瑞祥 | Kamiyamada Onsen 2-chome 18-8 36.4794825, 138.1429236 Go north along Chuo-dori from the Culture Hall in Kamiyamada, and take the second on the left. Do a wriggle around Kamesei Ryokan and look for the brown building and carpark behind ☎ +81 26-275-4321 Opening Hours: Daily 9AM Monday - 1AM, weekend/holiday 'morning bath' hours 6AM Monday - 8AM ¥650 for adults, ¥700 for morning bath; ¥750 for elementary school students, ¥250 for morning bath Although it is the most expensive public bathhouse in Togura Kamiyamada Onsen, it is also the most well equipped with the greatest variety of baths. The separate male and female areas each have a large indoor bath decorated with colourful natural boulders. The indoor area also has a sauna, jet baths, and a freshwater (cold) bath. The outdoor bath area has elegant gardens and contains baths you can lie down in, baths you can recline in, a stone slab with hot water trickling over it that is great for lying on at any time of the year, a large, sheltered bath, and two or three large ceramic tub baths.

• Inariyama Onsen Kyousenkaku - 稲荷山温泉杏泉閣 | Inariyama 571-1 36.5366192, 138.107584 Drive west from Yashiro station on Route 403. Turn right at Inariyamaonsen Spa (稲荷山温泉入口) intersection and look for a 5-story beige-color hotel on your right. ☎ +81 26-272-1154 Opening Hours: 6AM Monday - 10PM Adults ¥400; primary school age or less ¥700; ¥260 on the 26th of each month The onsen in this hotel is open for day visitors. The separate men's and women's baths have two hot baths inside and a pleasant tear-drop shaped outdoor bath, which catches the morning sun.

• Kamenoyu - かめ乃湯 | Kamiyamada Onsen 1-27-11. 上山田温泉1-27-11 Travel north on Chuo-dori and turn left at the Central Hotel (中央ホテル). The onsen is one block down on the right. ☎ +81 26-276-4664 Opening Hours: 10AM Monday - 11PM, closed on the 16th of each month ¥350 The separate men's and women's baths have two indoor baths, as well as one large outdoor bath and a ceramic pot bath in a nicely treed area. If you like your onsens hot, thit is the place for you.

• Sanogawa Onsen Chikurin no Yu - 佐野川竹林の湯 | Kuwabara 1551; 桑原1551 36.51755, 138.08711667 Between route 403 and the Sano River at Kuwabara ☎ +81 26-272-6500 Opening Hours: 10AM Monday - 9PM Adults ¥250, children ¥120 A pleasant neighborhood onsen with 3 indoor baths of varying temperatures and large windows that catch the afternoon sun. From the baths you can access a zen-like outdoor garden area with benches, potted bamboo, and white gravel.

• Togura Merryland Swan Park - 戸倉メリーランド白鳥園 | Togura 2254; 戸倉2254Just off the road that runs along the eastern levee of the Chikuma River, between Manyou Bridge anad Taishou Bridge intersections. ☎ +81 26-275-0400 Opening Hours: 9:30AM Monday - 8PM, closed on 2nd and 4th Tuesday Adults ￥500, children ¥280 This onsen was refurbished in 2005 but it is still like stepping back into 1970s Japan. There are a variety of quite nice baths in a cavernous room, and a small outdoor bath. In the same building are a games arcade and clothing store where time seems to have stood still. Classic.

Take a Hiking Tour in Chikuma

• Climb Mt Kamuriki (冠着山) (1252m). From the Kamiyamada Culture Hall intersection in Kamiyamada, drive west on Route 498 (which is called Manyou-dori in the town). Go up the steep hill past Zenkouji Daihankan Temple (善光寺大本館). When you get to the top of the saddle, ignore the road on the left, and veer to the right, towards Lake Hijiri (聖湖). After about another 500m to 1 kilometers there is a guide map and vehicle park on the right. If you have 4WD, follow the track to the left of the guide map for another 500m. Otherwise, hike up the track following the Mt Kamuriki (冠着山) signs. It is 1.1 kilometers from the first vehicle park, and takes about 20 minutes. If you take a torch, climb up in late afternoon, enjoy the sunset and night views far out across the Zenkouji plain to Nagano City and beyond, and climb down in the dark.
• Climb Mt Mitsumine (三峰山) (1131m) on the boundary of Chikuma City and Omi Village. To get there, take route 498 out of Kamiyamada. Follow the signs to Lake Hijiri (聖湖). After about 9 km you should see the lake. Turn right and follow the road along the south side of the lake. Park opposite the war museum. Look for a track going up the hill through the camp ground. It is a 15-minutes hike to the top, where there is a lookout platform and you can reward yourself for your efforts with an ice cream from the cafe. Hike back down, or take the ropeway (chair lift), or, better still, buy a ticket and descend via the giant slide down the hill.

• Climb - Mt Gorigamine (五里ケ峰) (1094m). Drive south on route 18 and take the first on the left after the Isobe Minami intersection. Cross the railway line, and take the first on the right. About half way up the hill is a vehicle park. Follow the signs for Gorigamine. It's about a 2 hour climb to the top and involves an ascent of 600m from the vehicle park. On the way back down, follow a path to the left along the ridge to the ruins of Katsurao Castle (葛尾城) on Mt Katsurao (葛尾山). Keep you eyes open along the path for bits and pieces of the old fortifications. At the castle site are a few memorial stones and a pavilion for taking a rest. The views down to Chikuma to the north and west and Sakaki to the south are terrific.

Cycling

• Hire bikes - And pick up a Hiking/Cycling brochure from Kamesei Ryokan and cycle along the Chikuma River cycle path.

• Tengu Park Hill Climb. From the Imai intersection on route 18, follow the signs to Togura Juku Kitty Park (戸倉宿キテイーパーク). There is a serious hill climb up through the cherry trees, and past the giant goblin (Tengu) statue. At the top of the park is a pavilion with good views. Keep following the road up to the saddle and then ride down into Mori Apricot Village. Total distance is about 10 km and may take 1 to 1.5 hours.
• Otawara Hill Climb. From the Inariyama (稲荷山) intersection on route 403, ride west and southwest until you get to the start of route 390 at Kuwabara (桑原). Turn right into route 390 and follow it up the hill until you reach Tabara Shrine (田原神社). Turn left at the shrine and head back down the hill. Turn left when you reach route 403 again to return to Inariyama. Total distance is 33 km and may take 3 to 4 hours.
• Obasute Mountain Loop Hill Climb. Start from the Yawata Tsuji intersection on route 77. Ride west on Route 340 until it joins route 403. Follow 403 to the left. Keep going on 403 past Lake Hijiri and all the way to the Honmachi (本町) intersection in Omi Village (麻績村). Turn left onto route 12 and then left on to route 55. Stay on route 55 through the tunnel and down the hill to route 77 at Kamiyamada. Total distance is about 41 km and may take 3 or so hours.

Fruit Picking

• Agri-Park - あんずの里アグリパーク | Yashiro 515-1 36.5359189, 138.1385956 Opposite the Mori Shogunzuka Kofun Museum ☎ +81 26-273-4346 Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 9AM Monday - 4PM; closed Mondays and days following national holidays November - Mar ¥1500 for primary school age and above; cheaper April - Jun Strawberry picking from November to June.

• Crown Farm - クラウン農園 | 36.4659102, 138.1389634 On route 55 past Chishikiji Temple ☎ +81 90-9666-3096 (English), +81 90-9357-9565 (German) - Pick apples from October to early December, grapes in September

Other Fun Stuff

• Shateki - 射的 | Various places in Kamiyamada Opening Hours: Evening Various prices Shateki involves shooting at targets with a cork gun and trying to win prizes. Look for the 社的 signs in the narrow alleys of Kamiyamada.

• Hijiri Kogen Summer Mountain Lift and Skyrider - 聖高原夏山リフト・スカイライダー | 聖高原 Take route 498 out of Kamiyamada. Follow the signs to Lake Hijiri (聖湖). After about 9 kilometers you should see the lake. Turn right and follow the road along the south side of the lake. Take a right hand turn and park near the base of the chair lift. ☎ +81 273-67-2145 Opening Hours: Mid April to the end of October; closed Thursdays except in the first two weeks of August Adults 1 ride - ¥700; 3 rides ¥2300; 6 rides ¥2500. Elementary and Junior High aged children: 1 ride ¥700; 3 rides ¥800; 6 rides ¥2500 A stainless steel slide that you ride down on luge type contraptions. The course is 710 winding metres long and drops over a 100m from top to bottom. The ticket price includes going up on the chair lift. Free for infants, but children under 9 years old need to accompanied by an adult. Awesome fun for everybody!

• Taishokan Theatre - 大勝館 | Kamiyamada Onsen 2-26-1. 上山田温泉2-26-1Just around the junction from the Sanpuso Hotel ☎ +81 26-276-1233 Opening Hours: 2 shows daily 13:00 and 19:00 except the last day of the month ¥2700 Kabuki for the masses.

Shopping in Chikuma

• Jujiya - 十字屋 | Kamiyamada Onsen 1-60-10 36.4800573, 138.1414218 Near the western end of Shinseki Dori ☎ +81 26-275-2740 Opening Hours: 8AM Monday - 10PM Wide range of Nagano souvenirs, and they also serve tea.

• Ooi Pharmacy - 大井薬局 | Kamiyamada Onsen 2-11-2 36.4795155, 138.1437891 On Chuo Dori, on the same block as the Nagano Bank ☎ +81 26-275-1045 Opening Hours: 8AM Monday - 7:30PM English speaking pharmacist that also has Chinese herbal medicine.

Local Specialties

• Sarashina Yaki Pottery - tinted blue with a pigment made from apple wood ash
• Obasute Masamune Sake - made from Rice grown on the famous moon-reflecting Rice terraces of Obasute Mountain
• Onsen Manju - a popular sweet bean paste pastry

Halal Restaurants

Please be informed that on some destination such as Chikuma we had no local Muslim/a that has researched some of the area. If you are a Muslim/a and have been to Chikuma or would like to maintain the eHalal Guide to Chikuma, please contact us at guides@ehalal.io or email us your updates.

• Benjarong 2 Restaurant - ベンジャロン2レストラン | Kamiyamada Onsen 2-16-29; 上山田温泉2-16-29 From the Culture Hall intersection in Kamiyamada, go north on Chuo-dori. Take the second on the left and then the first on the right. The store is about 3/4 of the way down on the left ☎ +81 26-275-2639 Opening Hours: 19:00-06:00 1000¥ and up Real (Thai) Food made by real (Thai) chefs. Choose your spiciness level from 0 to 100%. Everything from the basic Curries and pad (Thai) standards to the exotic.

• Cafe Jitensha - Cafe 自転車屋 | Yashiro 1805 屋代1805Just west of the Takamicho (高見町) intersection in Yashiro ☎ +81 26 273 5767 Opening Hours: 11:00-22:00 closed Tuesdays Tacos ¥700; chili con carne ¥650 Funky Tex-Mex cafe serving drinks and meals, with an English-speaking proprietor who rode his bike across Australia and has the souvenirs to prove it.

• Daikokuya - 大黒屋 | Kamiyamada Onsen 2-24-1; 上山田温泉2-24-1 On Jouyama Dori opposite the Sanpuso hotel ☎ +81 26-275-0768 Opening Hours: 11:30-16:30 Ramen from ¥600 A local institution. Ramen fans come from far and wide for the noodles. The garlic Sauce Beef filet "nintare tonkatsu" is a local favorite. The small shop is often crowded, but is worth the wait.

• Googies | Kamitokuma 237-2; 上徳間237-2 Route 18 between Kashio and Imai intersections ☎ +81 26 276 7188 Opening Hours: 11:00-23:00 ¥700 and up Family-friendly American-style diner using a lot of local ingredients, with a menu that has most items in English. Enjoy gazing at the great collection of 50s memorabilia and if you are lucky, Grease will be playing on the big screen.

• Hagoromo - 羽衣 | Kamiyamada Onsen 2-16-22; 上山田温泉2-16-22 From the Culture Hall intersection in Kamiyamada, go north on Chuo-dori. Take the second on the left and then the second on the right. The store is about 60m down on the right ☎ +81 26-275-1234 Opening Hours: 18:00-24:00 Daily specials from ¥800 Gourmet Japanese cuisine in a traditional setting. Sit at the counter and watch owner/chef Hata-san work his magic, or at one of the kotatsu tables with sunken floors.

• Honenya - 豊年屋 | Kamiyamada Onsen 1-39-5; 上山田温泉1-39-5 On Chuo Dori, between Kashiya Hotel and Arita Ryokan ☎ +81 26-275-0822 Opening Hours: 11:30-14:00/18:00-22:30; closed Mondays From ¥800 Soba is Nagano's premier food, and thit is Kamiyamada's premier soba shop. The plastic models out the front make for easy selection. Sets include miso, pickles, Rice and a small side dish.

• Karin Chinese Restaurant - 中華レストラン華林 | Kamiyamada Onsen 3-1-12; 上山田温泉3-2-12 In the Hotel Platon at the junction of route 77 and route 498 in Kamiyamada ☎ +81 26-275-5111 Opening Hours: 11:00-13:30/17:00-21:30 Lunch from ¥770 Chinese food. Also has meal+bath deals

• Kawana - 河菜 | Kamiyamada Onsen 3-8-10; 上山田温泉3-8-1 One block south of Manyo Dori, half a block south of Koen Dori ☎ +81 26-275-0194 Opening Hours: 11:30-13:30/17:00-21:30, closed Wednesdays Lunch sets from ¥2050; dinner sets from ¥2260 Gourmet Japanese cuisine with reasonable set menu options (sets include salad, udon, pickles, kobachi, fruit and rice). Good selection offruit cocktails, organic juice and sake.

• Kaya - 萱 | Togura 1855-1, 戸倉1855-1 On route 18 in front of Togura station. ☎ +81 26 275 0033 Opening Hours: 11:00-20:00 (Mon.-Sat.), 11:00-19:00 (Sun. and holidays) ¥850-¥2600 Authentic soba Noodles in a 250 year-old thatched roof building.

• Kohaku - 古波久 | Kamiyamada Onsen 1-44-4; 上山田温泉1-44-4 From Chuo Dori, turn left into Kamenoyu Street and then take the first on the left. Veer right at the fork, and look for the store on your right ☎ +81 26-276-2787 Opening Hours: 18:00-23:30 (Sun -22:30); Open for lunch May-Oct 11:30-13:30 Udon from ¥600 Features Kamiyamada Onsen's specialty, "Oshibori Udon", with the udon's dipping Sauce made from a local spicy daikon radish. Traditional interior design with cool antiques.

• La Foret - ラ・フォレ | @laforet.co.jp Ojima 3121-1; 小島3121-1 Go out of Yashiro station, turn right at Yashiro Station intersection, and look for the restaurant a few hundred metres up on the right. ☎ +81 26 272 2067 Pizzas from ¥2150 Atmospheric pizzaria.

• Lapis Lazuli - ラピス・ラズリ | Kamiyamada Onsen 1-69-3; 上山田温泉 1-69-3 In the Kamiyamada Hotel ☎ +81 26-275-5575 Opening Hours: 12:00-13:30/18:00-19:30; closed Mondays Lunch set from ¥7675; dinner set from ¥6825 Elegant French dining highlighting local ingredients. Extensive menu to match. Reservations required.

• Maizuru - まいづる | Kamiyamada Onsen 1-70-8; 上山田温泉1-70-8Across the side-street from the foot bath in Chuo Dori ☎ +81 26-275-1012 Opening Hours: 11:30-14:00/20:30-01:30; Closed Wednesdays Udon and soba from ¥680 Friendly, family-run shop specializing in service with a smile. Featuring winter and summer seasonal specialties.

• Manzo - 万蔵 | Kamiyamada Onsen 2-17-5; 上山田温泉2-17-5 From the Culture Hall intersection in Kamiyamada, go north on Chuo-dori. Take the second on the left and then the second on the right and then the second on the left. The store is on the right hand side of the lane ☎ +81 26-276-2134 Opening Hours: 18:00-23:00 Genghis Khan ¥2000 Mutton from Nagano's sheep capital, Shinshu Shinmachi. Charcoal grilled on a Mongolian-style grill. There are only 2 tables, so reservations are crucial.

• Men's Table Kameya - 麺亀屋 | Kamiyamada Onsen 3-7-4; 上山田温泉3-7-4 On Chuo Dori, just south of Kamiyamada Culture Hall intersection ☎ +81 26-275-1631 Opening Hours: 11:30-14:30/17:30-20:00; Closed Tuesdays Ramen from ¥700 Men's is particular about their ramen, using only locally grown "Sarashina" flour for their hand-made noodles. Take you shoes off and relax in this all non-smoking restaurant. P.S. It's not just for men ... "men" means "noodles" in (Japanese).

• Moridot - モーリ・ドット | Kamiyamada In Kamiyamada, go north on Chuo-dori and turn right into Kamenoyu Street at the Central Hotel (中央ホテル). The restaurant is a block and a half down on the right. ☎ +81 26 275 1155 Opening Hours: 11:30-14:00; 18:00-22:00; closed Sundays ¥750 and up Serves Pasta as well as Japanese and Indian curries. Specialties include Apricot Curries using local fruit. The lunch set is enormous and great value at ¥800.

• Pasta & Pudding Cocoro - ココロ | Kamiyamada Onsen 1-54-4; 上山田温泉1-54-4 On the side street west of Kame no Yu ☎ +81 26-275-1539 Opening Hours: 11:30-13:30/17:30-21:00; Closed Sundays From ¥900 Stylish shop popular with ladies (Friday is Ladies' Night) and decorated with baseball memorabilia. 40 types of spaghetti and their signature pumpkin pudding.

• Seiyu Supermarket - 西友 | Kamiyamada 879-1; 上山田879-1 Go south out of the main part of Kamiyamada on Route 77. The store is on the left, just past the Mezawa Bridge intersection. ☎ +81 26 276 6464 Opening Hours: Open 24 hours Big range of groceries and general items for the self-caterer. There's another store across the river at Togura 1953-1.

• Shichifuku - 七福 | Kamiyamada Onsen 1-56-3; 上山田温泉1-56-3 On the side street west of Kame no Yu ☎ +81 26-275-1559 Opening Hours: 18:30-23:00. Closed Sundays Dumplings from ¥250"Oyaki" dumplings are Nagano's soul food. And Shichifuku is Kamiyamada's own little oyaki shop. Take Out is available but it is fun to eat Halal in at this Showa-Retro restaurant.

• Shoryuen - 昇龍園 | Kamiyamada Onsen 2-17-6; 上山田温泉2-17-6 From the Culture Hall intersection in Kamiyamada, go north on Chuo-dori. Take the second on the left and then the second on the right and then the second on the left. The store is on the right hand side of the lane. ☎ +81 26-276-1327 Opening Hours: 18:00-02:00 Ramen from ¥600 Of course the taste is great, but Shoryuen's chef makes tastier than normal Chinese food. In a nightclub-like setting.

• Silky Cafe - しるきーカフェー | 928 Inariyama Aramachi 稲荷山荒町928Just north of Kurashikan Museum (see above) in Inariyama ☎ +81 26-273-0915 Opening Hours: 1100-1900 From 600 yen for light meals Cosy okonomiyaki joint with a friendly owner who speaks a bit of English. Also serves udon and Curries Rice.

• Steak-1 - ステーキワン | Isobe 1349-1; 磯部1349-1 On route 18, 2 kilometers south of Togura Station ☎ +81 26 276 2288 Opening Hours: 11:00-23:00 Lunch from ¥850; dinner from ¥2000 Cowpoke style Steaks and hamburger house with an all you can eat and drink salad and drink bar included with main courses. Plenty of room out the front to park your horse.

• Sushi-Hei - 鮨平 | Kamiyamada From Kamiyamada Culture Hall, go north on Chuo-dori. Take the second on the left and then the second on the right. The restaurant will be on your right about 100 m down. ☎ +81 26 275 2234 Opening Hours: 17:00-23:00; closed Mondays ¥600-¥2700 The real deal.

• Yakitori Tomoya - やきとり智家 | Sakurado 356-1; 桜堂356-1 One block south from the Chikuma City Koshokuy Branch Office intersection on Route 403 ☎ +81 26-272-5584 Opening Hours: 17:30-24:00 At Tomoya and the "master" is friendly, funny and loves to have foreign clients.

• Cafe Crossroad (Jakumaku) - Cafe コロスロード 寂寞 | Jakumaku 410-1 On route 18, about 900m south of the Imojiya (いもじや) intersection. ☎ +81 26-274-3485 Opening Hours: 11:30-17:00 Coffee from ¥750 A pleasant coffee shop run by a local non-profit organisation. The menu is all in Japanese but the pictures are mostly obvious. They also sell light meals (e.g. Pastas set ¥700) and desserts, as well as a small range of food stuffs made from local agricultural products and recycled materials (e.g. shoulder bags).

• Ushiwaka - 牛若 | Kamiyamada Onsen 1-44-1; 上山田温泉1-44-1 From Chuo Dori, turn left into Kamenoyu Street and then take the first on the left. Veer right at the fork, and look for the store on your right ☎ +81 26-276-1982 Opening Hours: 18:30-24:00: Closed Sundays ¥200 per stick Yakitori and soft drinks for people serious about yakitori (and soft drinks). Yo-chan and the man behind the counter, speaks nice English. You can try one of Nagano's specialties, raw horse Meat, too (or not).

• Yuki - 遊来 | Kamiyamada Onsen 2-16-8; 山田温泉2-16-8 n Kamiyamada, go north on Chuo-dori from the Kamiyamada Culture Hall, and take the second on the left. Take the first on the right and look for the izakaya about half way down the block. ☎ +81 26-275-4419 Opening Hours: 18:00-23:00 (-24:00 on weekends) From ¥200 A fashionable izakaya pub featuring "kushi" and "yakitori", various Meat and vegetable creations on skewers, including home-made "tsukune" (minced Chicken patties with special sauce)

• Yakitori Yumi's - やきとり裕味 | Kamiyamada Onsen 2-18-22; 上山田温泉2-18-22 36.479313611111, 138.142828611111 From the Culture Hall intersection in Kamiyamada, go north on Chuo-dori. Take the second on the left and then the second on the right. The store is about 30m down on the left, attached to the Zuishou Onsen building. ☎ +81 26-276-1258 Opening Hours: 18:00-22:00; Closed Thursdays Fruit Juices and Yakotori course from ¥2000; Yakitori a la carte ¥700 (2 sticks) Run by an ex-geisha who hasn't lost her ability to entertain. Her English is not so good, but it doesn't get in the way of having a great conversation.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Chikuma

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

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Chikuma: 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 Chikuma.

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

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Chikuma, 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 Chikuma, 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 Chikuma and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Chikuma, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Chikuma, 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 Chikuma 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 Chikuma 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 Chikuma.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Chikuma 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 Chikuma, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Chikuma Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Chikuma

eHalal Group Chikuma is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Chikuma. 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 Chikuma.

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 Chikuma 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 Chikuma. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Chikuma, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Chikuma are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

• Hotel Route Inn Chikuma Koushoku - ホテルルートインコート千曲更埴 | Ojima 3151-1 36.5325056, 138.1262128 From the Koushoku interchange, travel south on route 18 for 2.5 kilometers and turn left at the Kuiseke (杭瀬下) intersection. ☎ +81 26-273-0100 Singles ¥6900 Check-in: 3PM / Check-out: 10AM Standard business hotel. Non-smoking rooms available. Substantial discounts for early booking.

• Hotel Uzuraya - ホテルうづらや | Yawata 3067 36.5178266, 138.1021184 From Yashiro station, head west, across route 18 and follow route 403 for 1.3 km. Turn left at the Inariyama intersection onto route 77. The hotel is 1.9 kilometers along, on the right, opposite the Takemizuwake Shrine (武水分神社) ☎ +81 26-272-1008 ¥6000 for one person, ¥21,400 for two people Check-in: 15:00 / Check-out: 10:00 Japanese style rooms only. Japanese-style breakfast is ¥2050 extra.

• Kamesei Ryokan - 亀清旅館 | Kamiyamada Onsen 2-15-1 36.4793754, 138.1435005 In Kamiyamada, go north on Chuo-dori from the Kamiyamada Culture Hall, and take the second on the left. The ryokan will be right in front of you. ☎ +81 26-275-1032 +81 26 276 1032¥20,500 per day per adult including 2 meals; ¥7,500 per adult per day without meals; high school children 70%, primary and pre-schoolers, 50% Check-in: 3PM / Check-out: 10AM A great place to experience a traditional Japanese inn. There are English speaking staff, beautiful onsen baths, excellent meals, and elegant gardens. Free pick up and drop off at Togura or Obasute stations.

• Kamiyamada Hotel - 上山田ホテル | Kamiyamada Onsen 1-69-3 36.4808276, 138.1425604 In Chuo-dori in the middle of downtown Kamiyamada ☎ +81 26 275 1005 ¥20,500-¥23,000 per person per day including two meals Check-in: 3PM / Check-out: 10AM Luxury on a room with its own private outdoor onsen bath! Or admire the view from the big onsen bath on the 6th floor.

• Inariyama Onsen Kyousenkaku - 稲荷山温泉杏泉閣 | Inariyama 571-1 1 36.5366524, 138.1076032 Drive west from Yashiro station on Route 403. Turn right at Inariyamaonsen Spa (稲荷山温泉入口) intersection and look for a ５storied, beige coloured hotel on your right. ☎ +81 26-272-1154 Singles from ¥5,700 Check-in: 3PM / Check-out: 10AM Western and Japanese style rooms, onsen, private secluded sauna, restaurant, internet in the lobby and lounge, free vehicle parking.

Internet & Phones

The area code is 026.

More Muslim friendly Destinations from Chikuma

• Yamanouchi - home of the famous hot-spring soaking snow monkeys.
• Joshinetsu Kogen National Park - which includes Shiga Kogen, Japan's largest ski resort, host of 1998 Nagano Winter Olympic Giant Slalom, with 21 interlinked ski fields and over 70 lifts.
• Matsumoto - home of the famous black castle, whose gardens and views are a delight in spring and autumn
• Kiso Valley - through which winds the historic Nakasendo (Mountain Road) with numerous historic and beautifully restored villages
• Hakuba - some of the best ski fields in Japan and great summer hiking along the spectacular northern alps
• Azumino - Spice up your life with a visit to one of Japan's most famous wasabi farms
• Nagano - Take a pilgrimage to Zenkoji Temple

Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
To Advertise or sponsor this Travel Guide, please visit our Media Kit and Advertising Rates.