landmark
Shibu Onsen
A cobbled onsen village of wooden inns where guests in yukata and geta make a circuit of nine small public bathhouses. It is the road-end village below the snow monkey valley.
6 km · about 10 min drive
Nagano, Japan · Asia
Nakano works well as a base: 10 minutes from Hirao, 9km from Jigokudani Monkey Park.
Nakano is a town located in Nagano, Japan. With a population of 42,664, it is an important destination in Asia.
On a road trip, Nakano sits in Japan, where you drive on the left. It's in the Asia/Tokyo time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Nakano to your route.
Nakano (中野市, Nakano-shi) is a city located in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 March 2019, the city had an estimated population of 42,664 in 15649 households, and a population density of 380 persons per km2. The total area of the city is 112.18 square kilometres (43.31 sq mi).
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Nakano offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
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Nakano is located in Nagano, Japan, Asia. The coordinates are 36.7500 latitude, 138.3667 longitude.
Nakano has a population of approximately 42,664 people, making it a town in Japan.
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Essential numbers in Japan
Japan Helpline (24h English assistance): 0570-000-911. An International Driving Permit (1949 convention) is required to drive.
Full driving guide for Japan8 notable places within an hour's drive.
landmark
A cobbled onsen village of wooden inns where guests in yukata and geta make a circuit of nine small public bathhouses. It is the road-end village below the snow monkey valley.
6 km · about 10 min drive
natural wonder
A unique hot spring area where wild Japanese macaques famously bathe in steaming thermal pools surrounded by snow.
9 km · about 15 min drive
mountain pass
At 2,172 m this is the highest point on any Japanese national highway, on Route 292 between Nagano and Gunma. In spring the road is cut through snow walls several metres high.
18 km · about 20 min drive
landmark
A steep village of thirteen free communal bathhouses maintained by residents, plus an open hot-spring cooking pool where locals blanch vegetables. The Oyu bathhouse is a wooden temple-roofed landmark at the centre.
20 km · about 25 min drive
photogenic
The steaming timber sluice at the centre of Kusatsu, where 4,000 litres a minute of highly acidic spring water is cooled across wooden channels before reaching the baths. Floodlit and clouded in steam after dark.
25 km · about 30 min drive
landmark
A thousand-year-old spa at the foot of the Nagano hills, ringed by ancient temples including a rare octagonal three-storey pagoda. Three small public baths still serve the village for a few coins.
48 km · about 55 min drive
mountain pass
Historic pass on the old Nakasendo route between Gunma and Karuizawa, packed with 180-plus corners and the brick Megane-bashi viaduct. Another Initial D battleground beloved by drivers and rail historians alike.
51 km · about 60 min drive
famous road
The winding climb to Lake Haruna in Gunma, immortalised as 'Mount Akina' in Initial D. Gentle hairpins, a crater lake at the top, and constant pilgrimages by fans of Japan's street-racing manga.
54 km · about 60 min drive
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