Things To Do
in Chikuma

Iconic terraces with sweeping valley and train-line views — spectacular at sunrise, sunset, and in autumn for color or early-morning mist.

Long riverside walks and bridges provide calm water reflections, especially attractive with seasonal foliage and snow.

Traditional ryokan, lantern-lit streets, and steam rising from onsen create atmospheric scenes for evening photography.

Spring blossoms and autumn fruit orchards offer colorful rural compositions; ask farmers for permission if shooting close-up.

Buckwheat noodles served cold with dipping sauce or hot in broth; widely available at local soba shops and ryokan.

Must-Try!

Steamed or pan-fried dumplings filled with vegetables, miso, or sweet fillings — common at markets and roadside stands.

A crunchy, salty-pickled leaf vegetable popular across Nagano — a common accompaniment to meals.

Nagano apples are crisp and sweet; orchards and stands offer seasonal fruit and jams.

Small weekend or seasonal markets near onsen and stations selling oyaki, pickles, seasonal produce, and sweets — great for quick local bites.

A small vendor or kiosk (seasonal) near the terraces serving snacks and drinks to travelers and photographers.

Bowing is the common greeting; polite language and modest behavior are valued. Say 'arigatou' and 'sumimasen' often.

Remove shoes when entering homes, some ryokan, temples, and traditional restaurants; follow signage and host instructions.

Keep voices low on trains and avoid phone calls; priority seating should be offered to elderly and pregnant passengers.

Do not enter rice paddies or private farmland without permission; stick to paths and follow local guidance when photographing.

Tipping is not customary in Japan and can be awkward; excellent service is included in prices. Small gifts or polite verbal thanks are appreciated instead.

Cash (Japanese yen) is widely used, especially in smaller shops, markets, and rural restaurants. Major credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants, and IC transit cards (Suica/Pasmo/ICOCA) work in many areas but may be limited in rural vendors; ATMs at 7-Eleven and post offices accept many international cards.

Late April–May brings cherry blossoms and fresh greenery. Temperatures moderate; some higher trails still have snow early in spring. It’s a pleasant time for hiking and orchards start to bloom.

June–August has warm days, humid periods, and the rainy season in June–early July. Summer is great for mountain hikes, cycling, and river activities; bring sun protection and insect repellent.

September–November offers crisp air and vibrant autumn foliage (peak usually in October–November), ideal for photography and onsen-soaking after cool days.

December–February can be cold with snow at higher elevations; nearby ski areas are accessible, and onsen are especially appealing — check road conditions and winter gear if driving.

Longstanding agricultural families who manage rice terraces, orchards, and small-scale farms — an important part of local identity.

Residents who commute to Nagano and neighboring cities for work; family-oriented communities with local schools and shops.

Seasonal visitors drawn to onsen, photography spots, hiking, and cultural experiences — numbers increase during peak seasons.

As with many rural Japanese areas, a higher proportion of elderly residents is present, reflected in community life and services.

Vegetarian options exist but can be limited; order yudofu (tofu dishes), mountain vegetable tempura, or soba with vegetarian broth, and politely confirm dashi (fish stock) is omitted.

Vegan choices are fewer in rural Nagano — convenience stores and markets offer fruit, rice balls (check fillings), and pickles; communicating restrictions in Japanese helps (see key phrases).

Soba can be gluten-reduced but often contains wheat; ask at restaurants and choose rice-based dishes and simple grilled fish or vegetables when possible.

Carry translated allergy cards and inform staff; small eateries may have limited ingredients and cross-contamination awareness can vary.