We Found the Real Japan in Nagano… (Hidden Gems Travel Guide)
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There’s a side of Japan that most people never see…
A place where ancient castles still stand untouched, snow monkeys soak in natural hot springs, and the mountains stretch endlessly into the sky.
In this video, we explore Nagano — one of Japan’s most underrated regions — and honestly, it completely surprised us.
From the historic streets of Matsumoto and its iconic black castle, to the snowy peaks of Hakuba, the spiritual calm of Zenko-ji Temple, and the peaceful atmosphere of Shibu Onsen… this felt like a completely different Japan.
Quieter. Slower. More authentic.
And the craziest part? It’s only a few hours from Tokyo.
If you’re planning a trip to Japan and want to experience something beyond the usual tourist spots… don’t skip Nagano.
📍 Locations featured:
* Matsumoto Castle & Nakamachi Street
* Hakuba Valley (Japanese Alps)
* Nagano City & Zenko-ji Temple
* Shibu Onsen
* Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
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⏱ TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 A different side of Japan
01:00 Matsumoto Castle
01:49 Nakamachi Street
02:15 Soba noodles
02:41 Hakuba introduction
03:30 Hakuba snow & mountains
05:50 Green season in Hakuba
06:19 Skiing in Hakuba
07:09 Nagano City
07:30 Zenko-ji Temple
08:41 Shibu Onsen
09:24 Snow Monkey Park
10:41 Why Nagano is special
#japantravel #nagano #japanvlog #travelguide #hakuba
10 Comments
Go to https://surfshark.com/lloydandmandy or use code LLOYDANDMANDY at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN!
Would you add Nagano to your Japan itinerary after seeing this? 🇯🇵
We honestly didn’t expect it to feel THIS different from Tokyo… this might have been our favourite part of the trip.
Let us know what surprised you most 👇
松本城は日本一やで😆子供が大きくなったら中に入ることを勧めるわ😅
I am always curious to know where you and Lyla will settle permanently, where will feel like home to you.
Wow,.amazing yet again 👏 stunning castle..so.amazing to be able to camp it like you's did. Heheh Lyla soooo cute in her puffy jacket 😍
チビちゃん、力持ちのお父さんにずっと大人しく背負われて良い子だねえ😊
蕎麦を子供に食べさせる時は気をつけてね。蕎麦のアレルギー症状は酷いからね。
Did a similar route in Jan this year. Nagano is magic, Kanazawa, Takayama, Nagano, Kusatsu, definitely going back there. Great to see U guys enjoyed it so much.
Hey I just bought a six pack of Matsumoto!!! Tasted like tooheys
I saw the news that Kamikochi Nature Park, which is currently open to the public for free, will start charging an entrance fee from 2028.
Nagano is not the real Japan. It was voted the most boring place in Japan. It only exists as a place you get to in order to get to other places. Like Gifu