The Nagano Olympic Cauldron and Olympic Stadium in the background
In 1998, the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games were successfully hosted by Nagano. It was the third time Japan had hosted the Olympics. The various events were held in Nagano City and nearby mountain towns, including Hakuba, Karuizawa, Nozawa and Shiga Kogen.
Today, many of the former olympic facilities can still be viewed around the city. They are now used as sport and concert venues or serve the local community as sport facilities. Their unique architecture remain of interest to locals and tourists alike:
M-Wave
M-Wave is the best place to experience Nagano's olympic past as it houses the Nagano Olympic Museum. The small museum displays items such as the olympic torch and memorable pictures. It also has a souvenir shop selling commemorative merchandise. The former speed skating venue is now a multi-purpose arena that features an ice skating rink during winter.
Olympic Stadium
The opening and closing ceremonies were held in this stadium. Today, the area around the stadium is maintained as a spacious park with sports facilities such as a pool and a gymnasium. The area is now collectively known as the Minami Nagano Sports Park. In front of the stadium is the Olympic Cauldron still standing proudly. The names and nations of medal winners at the games are inscribed on a plate attached to the base of the cauldron.
White Ring
White Ring hosted figure skating and short track speed skating events at the 1998 games. The unique structure stands today in the midst of a residential area with many apple orchards. Its multi-purpose indoor arena is currently a venue for various sports events.
Big Hat
Big Hat hosted ice hockey games during the 1998 Olympics. Annual ice hockey tournaments are still held at its indoor ice skating rink. The complex also has a theater which serves as a venue for music performances and public meetings.
Getting there and around
The former olympic facilities are spread around Nagano City, and can be accessed by city buses from Nagano Station. A rental car would provide greater flexibility and convenience as the buses may be infrequent. Rental car outlets can be found around Nagano Station.
A mountain top onsen lodge at an altitude of 2000m facing Mt.Asama. Enjoy breathtaking views soaking in the outdoor bath. Bus runs from Tokyo & JR Sakudaira Sta.
Shioriya offers accommodation in Nagano, 11 km from Zenkoji Temple. Popular points of interest around the property include Togakushi Shrine and Old Kawanakajima Battlefield. Nagano City Museum is 2 km away and Matsushiro Castle is 4 km from the guest house. All guest rooms in the guest house are fitted with a TV. Skiing is among the activities that guests can enjoy near Shioriya. The Sanada Treasures Museum is 4 km from the accommodation, while Mizuno Museum is 6.5 km from the property.
Located in the city centre, 1166 Backpackers offers rental bicycles, free Wi-Fi and beds in shared dorm rooms, as well as private Japanese-style rooms. It features a free-use kitchen, a dining area and a launderette. Free morning coffee is available. Backpackers 1166 is around a 5-minute walk from Zenko-ji Temple and close to many shops, restaurants and cafes. A 24-hour convenience shop is a 5-minute walk away, while JR Nagano Station is a 7-minute drive or 18-minute walk. Togashi Ski Resort and Iitsuna Kogen Ski Resort are each a 40-minute drive. The hostel greets guests with a welcome drink, and offers concierge services and safety deposit of valuables. Facilities include lockers and a library. The shared kitchen is equipped with a microwave, a refrigerator and a small toaster oven. Guests sleep in a bunk bed in a shared dormitory room, equipped with a curtain and a private light. Private rooms have a tatami (woven-straw) floor and traditional futon bedding. All rooms provide personal safes and complimentary green tea. Toilets and bathrooms are shared. No meals are served.
Situated just a 5-minute walk from historic Togakushi Shrine, Oshi Ryokan is traditional lodging accommodation in the peaceful mountain area, which used to cater for pilgrims. The main building is 250 years old with a thatched roof. Guests sleep in Japanese-style rooms located in annex buildings. Fitted with tatami (woven-straw) flooring and futon bedding, the rooms feature a flat-screen TV and a seating area with a low table. Bathroom is shared with other guests. While staying at Ryokan Oshi, guests can enjoy a range of activities like golfing and skiing. The property provides ski storage and ski equipment rentals. Luggage can be left at the front desk. JR Nagano Station is a 50-minute drive or bus ride away, and the Togakushi Hokousha Bus Stop is just a 1-minute walk from the property. Togakushi Ski Resort is a 15-minute away, while Nagano Country Club is within a 10-minute drive. Guests can savour homemade meals at the spacious dining room with a historic charm, located in the main building. Dinner features local speciality soba buckwheat noodles.
Just 250 metres from Zenko-ji Temple, Matsuya Ryokan offers simple Japanese rooms with tatami-mat floors, a green-tea maker and an attached Western bathroom. The hotel features public baths. Guests at Jizokan Matsuya Ryokan stay in rooms with shoji paper screens and traditional futon bedding. All rooms are air-conditioned and include a TV and slippers. Zenko-ji-shita Subway Station is 600 metres away, and Shinano Art Museum is 650 metres from the ryokan. JR Nagano Train Station is 3 km away. A Japanese breakfast and a Japanese course dinner are served at the dining room or the guest room.
Situated within 800 metres of Nagano Station and 2.4 km of Zenkoji Temple in Nagano, Compass features accommodation with free WiFi and seating area. Accommodation is fitted with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen with a dining area, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with shower, free toiletries and a hairdryer. Some units have a balcony and/or a patio with city or mountain views. Hiking can be enjoyed nearby. Suzaka City Zoo is 12 km from the apartment, while Jigokudani Monkey Park is 33 km from the property. The nearest airport is Matsumoto Airport, 73 km from Compass.
Situated conveniently a minute's stroll away from JR Nagano Station, Dormy Inn Nagano features a 24-hour front desk and a public hot spring facility with an open-air bath and sauna. Free WiFi access is available throughout the entire property. Guest rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with a desk, refrigerator, an air-humidifier and an electric kettle. Rooms come with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and personal lockers. Guests will find luggage storage service offered at the front desk. Trouser presses and ironing facilities can be provided free of charge upon request. Coin-operated laundry machines and drink vending machines are also available. A Japanese-style and Western breakfast buffet consisting of local specialities is on offer at the on-site restaurant. Matsumoto Airport is a 90-minute bus ride away from JR Nagano Station. Zenkoji Temple is 1.9 km from Dormy Inn Nagano, while Togakushi Shrine is 14 km from the property.
Hotel Metropolitan Nagano features elegantly decorated rooms and a wide range of dining options, including a Japanese restaurant, a Chinese restaurant and a cafe. The hotel is conveniently located right next to the JR Nagano Train Station. All rooms feature carpeted floors, a seating area, and comes with a flat-screen TV, a desk and a wardrobe. There is a bath tub, a hairdryer and free toiletries in the en suite bathroom. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Nagano Metropolitan Hotel provides luggage storage and dry cleaning services. A massage salon on the ground floor can provide guests with a vigorous massage. Zenko-ji temple, one of Japanfs National Treasures, is a 10-minute drive from the hotel. Shinano Art Museum and the Joyama Park are located within a 5-minute walk from the temple. The Iris cafe serves hearty breakfast buffet in the morning, while Shinano Japanese restaurant offers sushi and teppanyaki cuisines prepared right in front of the guests.
A 5-minute walk from JR Nagano Train Station, Chisun Grand Nagano offers rooms with free WiFi access throughout the hotel. A selection of free amenities in the lobby is offered. The air-conditioned rooms feature a flat-screen TV with video-on-demand features, a fridge and an electric kettle. Slippers and nightwear are provided for all guests, while the en suite bathroom comes with a hairdryer. All rooms come with a humidifier. Dry cleaning services are provided at the front desk. Private parking is available for an additional fee. Designated smoking area is available for guest's convenience. Located on the 12th floor, Asama restaurant serves a Japanese-style breakfast featuring local white rice. Guests can try grilled fish and miso soup. Refreshments are available at the ground floor lounge. Zenko-ji Temple is a 10-minute drive away. Nagano Grand Chisun is a 25-minute drive from Iizuna Kogen Ski Resort and a 1-hour drive from Snow Monkey Park. A convenience store is located a 1-minute walk away.
Featuring 3-star accommodation, Nagano Tokyu REI Hotel is situated in Nagano, 2.3 km from Zenkoji Temple and 13 km from Suzaka City Zoo. Featuring a restaurant, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is located 1.2 km from Nagano Station. All rooms in the hotel are fitted with a kettle. All units in Nagano Tokyu REI Hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV and free toiletries. A buffet breakfast is available daily at the accommodation. Around the clock guidance is available at the reception, where staff speak English and Japanese. Jigokudani Monkey Park is 33 km from Nagano Tokyu REI Hotel, while Ryuoo Ski Park is 34 km away. The nearest airport is Matsumoto Airport, 73 km from the hotel.
Only a 2-minute walk from the Zenko-ji Exit of JR Nagano Train Station, Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano-Zenkojiguchi (Complex facility: Nacs Suehiro Building 5F Front) features simple accommodations with free WiFi access. The air-conditioned rooms feature a fridge and a flat-screen TV with a video-on-demand system. Slippers and sleepwear are provided for all guests, while the en suite bathroom comes with a hairdryer and toothbrush sets. A coin-launderette is on-site and luggage storage is provided at the 24-hour front desk. A convenience store is located on the ground floor. A breakfast buffet featuring Japanese and Western dishes are served at the dining room. Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano-Zenkojiguchi is a 10-minute drive from Zenko-ji Temple and a 45-minute drive from Togakushi Shrine. The Nagano Big Hat Sport Arena is a 10-minute drive and the Nagano Olympic Stadium is a 20-minute drive away.
