Nagano, Japan: Matsumoto Jujo - Recrafting Townscape

Following the revitalization projects in Japan, where some spots of a town is upgraded to a modern touch keeping the old architecture, and making some to accommodation and cafes.  Found Matsumoto Jujo that is a historic hot spring complex in Asama Onsen, Nagano.   

Japan: West Tokyo, Shizuoka, Nagano - 7 days Itinerary and Expenses

Japan: West Tokyo, Shizuoka, Nagano - 7 days Itinerary and Expenses

Travel Date: February/March 2026

What's planned for this trip

To experience spring and winter on the same trip. 

Touch down in Narita airport, took the low cost bus heading to Tokyo station. Transferred to local train heading to Kawasaki station, where we will be spending first 3 nights.  Immediately headed to Enoshima island.  

Following day, spend time with a friend touring around West Tokyo and Mt. Okutama.

I just want to break the notion that sakura only blooms by late March to mid-April.  Although, its true if you monitor the forecast (March 2026).  

Japan: Takayama and Toyama - 9 days Itinerary and Expenses

Japan: Takayama and Toyama - 9 days Itinerary and Expenses

Travel Date: October 2025

Japan: Hiking Daikokudake from Norikura Tatamidaira

I didn't have knowledge about what winter looks like until I became more interested in watching several videos about it.  Like the danger and difficulty someone might encounter when going to the top of the mountain.  Like how is the situation of the huts during the heavy snow.  Like how the mountain hotels have limited service, how they are prepared to stay safe before the winter, and how the buildings are recovered in the middle of deep snow. 

Nagano, Japan: Kamikochi

Kamikochi is famous for the clean, crystal clear Azusa river with Japanese northern alps (Hida mountains) in the background.  One of the gateways to reach multiple summits, peaks and offers great adventures in several mountains.

Japan: Alcohol Shots in Nagano and Tokyo

Stay healthy, refrain from drinking alcohol!

2019: Japan: Nagano: Kiso Valley

Kiso Valley is located in Nagano Prefecture.  It is an option route between Tokyo and Kyoto known as Nakasendo ("path through the mountains").  I wanted to see this path to experience how it was hard for the old people and Himura then.