What to do and see in Koshinetsu, Chubu: The Best Free Things to do

April 23, 2022 Margarita Chappel

Discover the best top things to do in Koshinetsu, Japan including Zenko-ji Temple, Lake Kawaguchiko, Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine, Ojiragawa Valley, Lake Yamanaka, Nishizawa Valley, Togakushi Shrine Okusha, Suwa Shrine, Stone Church, Kurumayama Highland.
Restaurants in Koshinetsu

1. Zenko-ji Temple

I-491 Motoyoshicho, Nagano 380-0851 Nagano Prefecture +81 26-234-3591 http://www.zenkoji.jp/
Excellent
49%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,931 reviews

Zenko-ji Temple

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.

2. Lake Kawaguchiko

Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun 401-0300 Yamanashi Prefecture
Excellent
56%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,293 reviews

Lake Kawaguchiko

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.

3. Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine

3353 Arakura Arakurayama Sengen Park, Fujiyoshida 403-0011 Yamanashi Prefecture +81 555-23-2001 https://www.arakurafujisengen.com/
Excellent
61%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 293 reviews

Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine

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.

4. Ojiragawa Valley

Hakushucho Yokote, Hokuto 408-0313 Yamanashi Prefecture
Excellent
53%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 83 reviews

Ojiragawa Valley

5. Lake Yamanaka

Yamanakako-mura, Minamitsuru-gun 401-0500 Yamanashi Prefecture +81 8013832626 http://www.vill.yamanakako.yamanashi.jp/
Excellent
43%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 489 reviews

Lake Yamanaka

Reviewed By 186guillaumea - Shizuoka, Japan

One of the five lakes located around Fuji San. The light and views of Fuji San are always different based on the weather. Many restaurants, shops, hotels, bnb, campgrounds located alongside or in the mountains a short drive a away. Nice trail going around the lake, perfect for q stroll or bike ride. Bike rental a available as well as boats.

6. Nishizawa Valley

Mitomikawaura, Yamanashi 404-0201 Yamanashi Prefecture http://www.yamanashishi-kankou.com/nature/nishizawa_keikoku/
Excellent
66%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 137 reviews

Nishizawa Valley

7. Togakushi Shrine Okusha

Togakushi, Nagano 381-4101 Nagano Prefecture +81 26-254-2014 http://www.togakushi-jinja.jp/about/index.php
Excellent
56%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 615 reviews

Togakushi Shrine Okusha

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.

8. Suwa Shrine

1 Nakasu Miyayama, Suwa 392-0015 Nagano Prefecture +81 266-52-1919 http://suwataisha.or.jp/
Excellent
43%
Good
47%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 451 reviews

Suwa Shrine

9. Stone Church

Hoshino, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun 389-0195 Nagano Prefecture +81 267-45-2288 [email protected] http://www.stonechurch.jp/
Excellent
49%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 491 reviews

Stone Church

Reviewed By Beenster - Yardley, United States

This church is small simple and stunning, I loved its natural beauty with the vines and water flowing. I could have sat there all day

10. Kurumayama Highland

3413 Kitayama, Chino 391-0301 Nagano Prefecture +81 266-68-2626 http://www.kurumayama.com/
Excellent
44%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 327 reviews

Kurumayama Highland

Kurumayama-kogen Highland Visit Mount Kurumayama summit where the breathtaking views of Japan’s finest mountains awaits you, from the Yatsugatake Mountains and Mount Fuji to the Southern, Central, and Northern Alps.

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