Walk into the mountains and embrace the nature
Ina Valley, Nagano
Start out from the Chubu Centrair International Airport.
Visit the birthplace of miso in search of its delicious origin.
Savor the scent of matcha in a nostalgic atmosphere in a teahouse.
A shrine sheltered by a luxuriant forest;
an art island surrounded by the blue ocean;
every corner is worth exploring.
Get your luggage and driving license ready and embark on a journey to this fascinating land!
Choose a type of experiences
Ina Valley boasts a picturesque landscape with the Japanese Alps,
the most beautiful starry sky in Japan, and quiet villages between the mountains.
With a food culture cradled in beautiful mountains and waters,
the area offers a wonderful range of delicious local food, from inexpensive popular dishes to exquisite western confections.
The locals’ dedication to good food can be tasted in your every bite.
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life and relax in a famous hot spring.
Restore the peace and tranquility of the mind in front of a stone buddha statue.
There are meanings behind every facility.
Picking seasonal fruits with the farmers and camping on the mountaintop are experiences
that can be found nowhere except in the countryside.
Suggested self-driving tour routes
- 2 Days 1 Night (Must-try Gourmet and Local Enjoyment)2 Days 1 Night (Must-try Gourmet and Local Enjoyment)
- 2 Days 1 Night (Stunning Seaview and Relaxing Scenery)2 Days 1 Night (Stunning Seaview and Relaxing Scenery)
- 3 Days 2 Nights
- 4 Days 3 Nights
2 Days 1 Night (Must-try Gourmet and Local Enjoyment)
Only here can you experience the ultimate gastronomic culture gifted by nature. From dainty local shops to homey cafes by the stream, there is always a surprise around the corner, something wild and aromatic to take away.
120 min.
Chubu Centrair International Airport
Start your journey from the airport with your rental car
Iida
25 min.
Fruit Picking
Pick fruits from a field overlooking the Southern Alps. Enjoy seasonal produce and have a taste of local specialties.
60 min.
HIRANOYA
A café to sit back and let time slowly slip away. Trendy and tasty food in secluded ambiance – the ideal space for a hideout.
Ina
30 min.
Romen
Originated from Ina in 1955 (Shōwa year 30), stir-fried romen is still well-loved today. Thick romen noodles are first steamed, then accompanied with lamb, cabbage and fragrant garlic. Ina is the birthplace of Nagano-ken romen. Takatō romen is the prototype of “romen in spicy soy sauce”, where the sauce is seasoned with sautéed miso, spicy radish, onion and other aromats. There are also a number of shops selling handmade romen noodles.
25 min.
Nakagawa Hachimitsukobo
A workshop to sample honey made by the rare and treasured Japanese bees.
Komagene
10 min.
Komagane Sauce Katsudon
Already on offer in Komagane back in the early years of the Shōwa era. Known for placing a weighty piece of pork cutlet on shredded cabbage.
150 min.
Suzuran House Ice cream
A rich soft serve made with 100% Suzuran milk, highly popular in the area. More than 1000 serves sold daily!
Chubu Centrair International Airport
Return your rental car at the airport after arriving from your journey
This is due to the sample Itinerary, please coordinate your departure/arrival time depending on your fright schedule and own destinations.
2 Days 1 Night (Experience the Magnificent Landscape)
The Japanese Alps possess abundant resources from the forests. Get away from the city’s clamour and step into the shadow of the trees. Slow down – take in the magnificent valleys and tranquillity of the fields.
180 min.
Chubu Centrair International Airport
Start your journey from the airport with your rental car
Nishio
80 min.
Shimoguri
Farmland and farmers scatter across Shimoguri in 800m to 1100m altitude. The breathtaking scenery warranted it the nickname “the Austria of Japan”.
15 min.
Hirugami Hot Spring Village
Hirugami hot spring, which boasts a strong alkaline of ph9.7 is one of the best places with what is known as "water for beautiful skin". Since the Achi River’s clear stream runs by 19 large and small hot spring lodgings and hotels, it is gently enveloped in a nostalgic atmosphere. The appearance of the abundant natural changes throughout the four seasons is sure to gently unwind tired souls alongside the hot spring water.
Komagane
80 min.
Tenku-no-Rakuen Night Tour
In 2006, Achi village got first place in the Star Watching Network, implemented by the Ministry of the Environment. It is a place where the stars shine the most bright. At Fujimidai Kogen Heavens Sonohara, the Paradise in the Sky Starry Sky Night Tour, the best night tour in Japan is held, and has a Gondola which goes up to 1,400m to the Mountain Lodge where you can enjoy the star spangled sky and other related events.
45 min.
Central Apls-Senjojiki Cirque, Komagatake Ropeway
Alps’ Senjojiki Cirque, the Komagatake Ropeway is the ride with the largest elevation in Japan. Enter a sea of clouds in only 7.5 minutes. Ranked number 10 on popular hiking lists in Japan.
Ina
25 min.
Furusato no oka
A bird’s-eye view of the Tenryu River and the streets of Komagane city, not to mention the Central Alps in the backdrop. On the list of 100 places for sunsets in Nagano.
180 min.
Bungui Ridge
Located at the centre of the huge fault, the Bungui Ridge offers views so magnificent that they will ease your worries. This soothing quality explains the spot’s popularity.
Chubu Centrair International Airport
Return your rental car at the airport after arriving from your journey
This is due to the sample Itinerary, please coordinate your departure/arrival time depending on your fright schedule and own destinations.
3 Days 2 Nights
Enrich your trip by experiencing the simplicity of country life and the warm hospitality of the villagers. Don’t miss the local delicacies and traditional crafts!
60 min.
Chubu Centrair International Airport
Start your journey from the airport with your rental car
Iida
3 min.
Nakano Cho
The fire in 1947 (Shōwa year 22) did not cause extensive damage to the area, explaining the fairly large amount of historical buildings preserved.
15 min.
HIRANOYA
A café to sit back and let time slowly slip away. Trendy and tasty food in secluded ambiance – the ideal space for a hideout.
25 min.
Mizuhiki Crafts Museum Sekijima
The crafts from Mizuhiki, Iida stay true to its roots even when contemporary elements are incorporated, creating an unconventional style.
Komagane
45 min.
Tenku-no-Rakuen Night Tour
In 2006, Achi village got first place in the Star Watching Network, implemented by the Ministry of the Environment. It is a place where the stars shine the most bright. At Fujimidai Kogen Heavens Sonohara, the Paradise in the Sky Starry Sky Night Tour, the best night tour in Japan is held, and has a Gondola which goes up to 1,400m to the Mountain Lodge where you can enjoy the star spangled sky and other related events.
10 min.
Yomeishu Komagane Factory
A Yomeishu factory in the forests. A café, a shop and a delightful Yomeishu-making experience at your disposal.
60 min.
Shinsyu Satonokakoubou
Nagano Ina chestnuts from a brand created by local farmers are used to ensure the confectionaries are of the best quality.
70 min.
Miyada Plateau
Admire the 360° view from the lookout at 1650m altitude, where the stunning central mountain range is within sight. Also a charming camping spot.
50 min.
Senninzuka Park
With the Alps in the background, enjoy camping, wooden golfing and water sports in Senninzuka Park, or simply take a break and relax.
Ina
20 min.
Buddha statue of Takato Mason
During the Edo era, Takatō in Nagano was home to Japan’s most prominent stone masons. Takatō stone masons possessed the finest skills and were active across the country.
20 min.
Romen
Originated from Ina in 1955 (Shōwa year 30), stir-fried romen is still well-loved today. Thick romen noodles are first steamed, then accompanied with lamb, cabbage and fragrant garlic. Ina is the birthplace of Nagano-ken romen. Takatō romen is the prototype of “romen in spicy soy sauce”, where the sauce is seasoned with sautéed miso, spicy radish, onion and other aromats. There are also a number of shops selling handmade romen noodles.
180 min.
Takato Castle Park
With 1500 cherry blossom trees, the park has long been hailed “Second to None” and is also shortlisted on the 100 best sights of cherry trees.
Chubu Centrair International Airport
Return your rental car at the airport after arriving from your journey
This is due to the sample Itinerary, please coordinate your departure/arrival time depending on your fright schedule and own destinations.
4 Days 3 Nights
Be mesmerized by the majesty of the Japanese Alps and experience local cultures in the village. Enjoy an in-depth trip to Japan with authentic local delicacies!
60 min.
Chubu Centrair International Airport
Start your journey from the airport with your rental car
Ina
10 min.
Green Farm
The official countdown to spring begins! A wide selection of vegetables, flowers and seasonal produces is displayed at the shop entrance.
20 min.
Galette
Using Ina Valley flour and having another ingredient produced from the Valley – Nagano Inadani Galette meets both requirements. Devour the gastronomic essence of Ina Valley and experience the gifts of nature.
20 min.
Takato Cho
In the vicinity of the Takatō JR bus stop lies a number of historical sites: shrines, temples, the former residences of the Ikegami and Majima families and more. Stone buddha statues by the Takatō masons are scattered in the area.
60 min.
Farm House Stay, Experience
The farmhouse is a creation of the mums and dads in Ina, who endeavour to deliver the most authentic farmhouse experience. It’s not available in winter, but the abundance of crops in other seasons make up for it.
Komagane
30 min.
Central Apls-Senjojiki Cirque, Komagatake Ropeway
Alps’ Senjojiki Cirque, the Komagatake Ropeway is the ride with the largest elevation in Japan. Enter a sea of clouds in only 7.5 minutes. Ranked number 10 on popular hiking lists in Japan.
15 min.
Komagane Sauce Katsudon
Already on offer in Komagane back in the early years of the Shōwa era. Known for placing a weighty piece of pork cutlet on shredded cabbage.
10 min.
Museum of History and Folklore of Iijima Machi, Jinya
Buildings damaged in the Meiji era are restored based on excavation investigations and historic records. Relax beside an antique furnace, or even dress up as officials in the ancient times. Turn back the clocks and revisit the past!
40 min.
Yugonomori Glamping and Restaurant
A restaurant in a serene forest. Deluxe tent accommodation available.
40 min.
Jinbagatayama
At 1445m altitude. Reachable by car and offers a full view of the Central and Southern Alps. Admire the magnificent views of the sea of clouds, sunset, the starlit skies and daybreak at the “campground of the heavens”.
40 min.
Komagane Sauce Katsudon
Already on offer in Komagane back in the early years of the Shōwa era. Known for placing a weighty piece of pork cutlet on shredded cabbage.
Iida
40 min.
Nakano Cho
The fire in 1947 (Shōwa year 22) did not cause extensive damage to the area, explaining the fairly large amount of historical buildings preserved.
90 min.
Tenku-no-Rakuen Night Tour
In 2006, Achi village got first place in the Star Watching Network, implemented by the Ministry of the Environment. It is a place where the stars shine the most bright. At Fujimidai Kogen Heavens Sonohara, the Paradise in the Sky Starry Sky Night Tour, the best night tour in Japan is held, and has a Gondola which goes up to 1,400m to the Mountain Lodge where you can enjoy the star spangled sky and other related events.
60 min.
Shimoguri
Farmland and farmers scatter across Shimoguri in 800m to 1100m altitude. The breathtaking scenery warranted it the nickname “the Austria of Japan”.
30 min.
Fruit Picking
Pick fruits from a field overlooking the Southern Alps. Enjoy seasonal produce and have a taste of local specialties.
120 min.
Mizuhiki Crafts Museum Sekijima
The crafts from Mizuhiki, Iida stay true to its roots even when contemporary elements are incorporated, creating an unconventional style.
Chubu Centrair International Airport
Return your rental car at the airport after arriving from your journey
This is due to the sample Itinerary, please coordinate your departure/arrival time depending on your fright schedule and own destinations.
Get ready for your self-driving tour!
Whether you are looking for hidden delicacies in lanes and alleys or going on a trip in the mountains to appreciate the stunning scenery, choosing a suitable car is the first step to a pleasant road trip filled with beautiful memories in the Chubu region of Japan.
