Top Things to do in Koshinetsu
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Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Koshinetsu, Chubu
Discover the best top things to do in Koshinetsu, Japan including Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks, Matsumoto Castle, Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, Zenko-ji Temple, Takato Castle Remains Park, Lake Kawaguchiko, Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine, Ojiragawa Valley, Nishizawa Valley, Togakushi Shrine Okusha.
Restaurants in Koshinetsu
1. Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 111 reviews
One of the three great fireworks festivals of Japan, this is the main event that heralds the finale of the Nagaoka Festival. It was selected in 2016 as No.1 fireworks events, as chosen by noted fireworks experts. A must-see is a super-massive ball of fireworks, the "star mine," which is a congeries of five different-colored fireworks launched from five angles, and select Ju-go tama balls crafted by each fireworks veteran, with crowd-pleasing designs. A total of 20,000 fireworks are launched, and attendees number close to one million. The Nagaoka Festival itself was launched in 1946 as the Nagaoka Recovery Festival, a prayer for recovery after the August 1, 1945 air raids.
2. Matsumoto Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,584 reviews
Reviewed By phale12017
When l was told we were visiting a a castle, grey blocks of stone came to mind( l clearly wasn’t thinking logically) I was amazed to see this massive, towering wooden structure before me! Yes Japanese castles are made from wood. They have moats and tiny narrow windows for firing weapons out of and other familiar features but l have to say they are quite different from the English versions. They have a hidden extra floor that you cannot see from outside, this is just one unfamiliar feature! We were put into groups of 5 or less and shown round by retirees who were practicing their English, what a wonderful idea! Our guide was very amusing!! A word of warning, there are lots of steps inside, some of them steep! But make the effort, it’s well worth it!!
3. Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,691 reviews
Reviewed By MichelleSCapeTownSA - Cape Town Central, South Africa
An incredible place, Snow Monkey Park must be one of the world’s most unique attractions and is one of my favourite memories of Japan. The park is small and there is a 30/40-minute easy walk to reach it - the walk is wonderful and through a forest. I visited in April and was able to see a lot of baby monkeys, even on a hot day. They are wild but used to people, so they get close and walk around quite freely. You can see them all around, they play on the rocks and in the water too. When things get heated between the young ones the adults’ step in. Things either calm down fast or the youngsters ensure they move a good distance away and continue being cheeky - super cute. We walked back from the park all the way down to Yudanaka station via the beautiful Shibu Onsen village. This lovely scenic walk starts in the forest, then makes its way through the cobblestoned lanes surrounded by traditional wooden ryokan (Japanese inns) of Shibu Onsen along the Yokoyugawa River. It takes around one to two hours and is worth doing if you have the time – a lot of history, quaint sights and beauty to take in.
4. Zenko-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,931 reviews
Reviewed By hfot2 - Vermont, United States
We have visited Zenko-ji on three different sakura trips and each time the blossoms did not disappoint. The weeping tree on the side of the main hall is spectacular when in full bloom - not to be missed. Bridal shoots occur throughout the temple compound in this season, but especially at this tree. The grounds are lovely throughout. Don’t miss the trees behind the main hall and the many stone lanterns there and elsewhere. There are several small gardens with more flowering trees. If you stand near the photogenic bell tower long enough, you will be there when the ringer arrives, bows to the bell and using the beam suspended on ropes strikes the bell which resonates for a very long time. Statues abound, especially the seven Jizo Bodhisattva at the Sanmon Gate. Many side buildings are more peaceful and less crowded than the main hall area and they too contain statues, bells and lanterns. If you walk behind the main hall and up a bit you arrive at the pagoda which contains the Zenkoji History Museum. It can take several hours to walk around, view, and photograph all that is here. Take your time to enjoy the whole temple compound. There is a city bus that runs to the temple from the station, or you can walk up the hill to the temple from the station - it takes about 30 minutes. The road immediately in front of the gate is full of shops selling souvenirs, religious items, and food. Good soft ice cream can be had here. The streets running parallel to this one are very interesting and worth a stroll. Even if the cherry trees are not a peak, and even if it is not sakura season at all, Zenko-ji is definitely worth a visit.
5. Takato Castle Remains Park
6. Lake Kawaguchiko
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,293 reviews
Reviewed By patrickperbkk
Lake Kawaguchiko is one the the Mt Fuji 5 Lakes. It's very convenient to travel from Tokyo by train, highly suggested to get a Tokyo pass and reserve the seat. Also, it's highly recommended to rent a bike, the best way to travel around the Lake. There are many nice cafes and restaurant around the Lake area.
7. Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 293 reviews
Reviewed By end0t - Tokyo Prefecture, Japan
Definitely one of the most stunning viewing point in Kawaguchiko area. A beautiful spot throughout the year, once in your life must come place. If you like to hike there is a walking trail you can walk for couple of hours.
8. Ojiragawa Valley
9. Nishizawa Valley
10. Togakushi Shrine Okusha
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 615 reviews
Reviewed By From_Hotel_to_Hotel - Singapore, Singapore
Visited Togakushi for the 2nd time. Return bus tickets can be purchased at the Alpico bus office, across the street from Nagano stn. Board the bus to Togakushi at bus stop #7 which is just outside the office. About 50mins journey to the entrance to the path to giant cedar trees which leads to the upper shrine. There is also a small path to Lake Kagami. Since I had visited the upper shrine, which in my opinion small and I knew that the nicest views are located just around the giant cedar tree area, this time round decided not to continue to hike up to the upper shrine. You may want to do the same should you are there just to see the trees or running out of time. The path and stairs to the upper shrine are steeper and views are not that nice. Bus day pass entitle some discount at selected soba restaurants on Togakushi area. From the upper shrine, I walked down around 30mins to middle shrine although one can also choose to take the bus. The middle shrine is much more beautiful than the upper shrine. Several soba restaurants are nearby, check the validity of the day bus pass to enjoy discount. Overall it is a nice place to spend at least half a day. On the way down, I stopped at the Zenkoji temple to admire the amazing structures and its beautiful garden. The day bus pass also come with a separate ticket for bus fee from Zenkoji temple back to Nagano stn, although one can choose to have pleasant 30mins walk to Nagano stn.
