Journey to Enjoy Saunas and Gourmet in Nagano Prefecture

Nagano Prefecture is located within the “Japanese Alps,” where majestic nature unfolds, offering numerous sauna experiences to soothe the body and mind in its rich environment. In the National Sauna Journey, many attractive facilities await visitors. For instance, the outdoor sauna “The Sauna” in Shinano Town allows you to enjoy an authentic wood-fired sauna by the beautiful shores of Lake Nojiri. Additionally, resort facilities like Matsukawa-kan offer quiet moments surrounded by forests and rivers. Such sauna experiences, in harmony with nature, provide a special time that cannot be tasted in the city.

Moreover, when it comes to Nagano Prefecture, you cannot miss the delicious local gourmet. Fresh mountain vegetables, Shinshu soba, and local sake are worth trying. By enjoying these region-specific dishes, you can fully savor the unique charm of the area.

In this way, a sauna journey in Nagano Prefecture is not just about warming the body, but also a precious opportunity to refresh while resonating with nature. Why not choose Nagano for your next outing and embark on a journey of new discoveries and relaxation?

Sauna Situation in Nagano Prefecture

Nagano Prefecture is known for its rich natural environment and historic hot spring areas. In recent years, saunas have gained attention as a new tourism resource in this area, attracting many people seeking to refresh their body and mind. This article will introduce the charming sauna facilities and local gourmet unique to Nagano Prefecture in detail.

Recommended Sauna Facilities in Nagano Prefecture

Nagano Prefecture has numerous sauna facilities, but we have picked out some of the most popular spots. Each has its own unique features, providing visitors with healing and fulfilling times.

The Sauna

Located in Shinano Town, “The Sauna” is famous nationwide as an outdoor sauna. At this lakeside facility, you can enjoy a Finnish-style sauna with the fragrant aroma of wood-burning and beautiful natural scenery. From the outdoor air bath space, you can view the beautiful Lake Nojiri and even dive into the lake as a substitute for a cold bath.

Umenoya Resort Matsukawa-kan

Located in Matsukawa Town, “Umenoya Resort Matsukawa-kan” is nestled in the forest, offering a sense of unity with nature. This facility also offers private rentals, allowing you to spend time leisurely in your own space. The sky sauna, where you can enjoy the view while bathing, is also a hot topic.

Happo-One Spa Spa Land Onsen

In Hakuba Village, there is “Happo-One Spa Spa Land Onsen.” Here, you can enjoy a Japanese-style bath and authentic Finnish-style sauna, popular with guests returning from skiing or hiking. The open-air bath, where you can soak while gazing at the majestic mountains, is exceptional.

Delicious Gourmet Unique to Nagano Prefecture

After a wonderful sauna experience, you should definitely enjoy the delicious local gourmet. Below, we introduce recommended dishes and shops.

Shinshu Soba

Shinshu soba is a nationally famous soba noodle, characterized by its unique firmness and aroma. The soba flour grown in the cool climate is rich in flavor, and many shops offer handmade soba. You can enjoy different styles depending on the region, such as “Togakushi soba” and “Matsumoto soba.”

Oyaki

Oyaki is a baked dish made by wrapping ingredients in dough made from wheat flour and other ingredients. Traditionally, it was valued as a preserved food in autumn and winter. Standard ingredients include nozawana greens and pumpkin, but there are various variations depending on the shop, allowing you to enjoy the joy of finding your favorite.

Shinshu Beef Steak

Shinshu beef is known for its extremely tender meat quality and the exquisite balance of sweet fat. It is offered in a variety of establishments, from top-notch restaurants to homey diners, so you can enjoy high-quality meat dishes.

Summary: A Journey to Enjoy Healing Days with Nature

Nagano Prefecture offers wonderful sauna facilities with excellent healing effects in a pleasant natural environment. Additionally, delicious gourmet is abundant, making even a single visit a fulfilling experience. Why not take this opportunity to plan a trip to Nagano? It is an ideal choice for those seeking refreshment and new discoveries.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sauna Facilities in Nagano Prefecture

Q1: What are the recommended sauna facilities in Nagano Prefecture?

A1: In Nagano Prefecture, “Ringo no Yuya Obu” is particularly popular. This facility ranked first in the Hokuriku Koshinetsu area in the 2020 Nifty Onsen Annual Ranking. You can enjoy various saunas such as aroma löyly sauna and nano water steam salt sauna, and the cold bath using the underground water of the Alps is also attractive. Additionally, a sauna goods shop called “Matsumoto Style” is also attached, providing visitors with a wonderful experience.

Q2: Are there places where sauna beginners can enjoy?

A2: For beginners, accommodations where you can experience “Finnish-style sauna” are recommended. These accommodations may offer guided services explaining how to use them for beginners. Also, by trying “alternating hot and cold baths,” even first-timers can have a refreshing experience.

Q3: What health benefits does a sauna have?

A3: Saunas offer many health benefits, including fatigue recovery, skin beautification, and weight loss. By warming the body at high temperatures and sweating, metabolism is promoted. Additionally, alternating with cold baths improves circulation, leading to stress relief. The pleasant sensation known as “tuning” is supported by many users.

Q4: How should I perform a sauna routine?

A4: A basic routine involves first warming the body thoroughly in a high-temperature, low-humidity dry sauna or a low-temperature, high-humidity mist sauna. Then, cool down in a cold bath and relax in an outdoor air bath. By repeating this series of steps several times, you can experience the sensation of “tuning.”

Q5: Are there recommended gourmet spots in Nagano Prefecture?

A5: Nagano Prefecture has many delicious foods. Especially “soba” is famous as a specialty, and you can enjoy handmade soba in many shops. Also, “Shinshu beef” and locally produced wine are well-regarded. Enjoying such local gourmet after a sauna will make your trip even more fulfilling.

Nagano Prefecture is gaining attention as a place where you can enjoy a variety of sauna experiences along with beautiful nature. Please take this opportunity to visit!

Refresh Your Body and Mind with Nagano’s Nature, Sauna, and Gourmet

Nagano Prefecture, surrounded by the Japanese Alps, is gaining attention as a place where you can enjoy diverse sauna experiences against a backdrop of rich natural environments. At the outdoor “The Sauna,” you can enjoy a wood-fired sauna along with the beautiful lakeside scenery, offering a special moment. Additionally, “Umenoya Resort Matsukawa-kan” provides a luxurious time in a quiet space surrounded by the forest, and “Happo-One Spa Spa Land Onsen” offers the charm of Finnish-style saunas and open-air baths with views of majestic mountains.

By visiting such facilities, you can escape the daily urban life and heal both body and mind. And don’t forget the gourmet unique to Nagano. In addition to Shinshu soba and oyaki, you can also enjoy high-quality Shinshu beef steak. Different styles of soba and unique oyaki in various regions await travelers.

In this way, Nagano Prefecture is an ideal travel destination where you can refresh your body and mind in a wonderful natural environment and gain satisfaction from delicious meals. Consider it as a candidate for your next outing. The special experiences unique to this land will become new discoveries.