A popular winter sports destination with Australian travellers, the Japanese alpine city of Nagano is looking to build on that popularity by luring outdoor enthusiasts during the warmer months.
Among the major regional attractions is the famous ancient route Nakasendo, which for more than 400 years has cut a path through the mountainous heart of main island Honshu.
As one of five major historic roads - known as Gokaido - to connect corners of Japan during the Edo Period (1603-1868), Nakasendo links the imperial capital of Kyoto with Tokyo, passing through the Nagano Prefecture.
It is the longest of the historic links, stretching more than 540 kilometres, although today’s hikers mainly choose to trek sections rather than the entire route.
“We aim to increase tourist interest in Nagano beyond the ski slopes, the hot springs and the bathing snow monkeys,” said Helen Wong, the Australian representative for Nagano Tourism Organization.
“Nakasendo was an important thoroughfare utilised by Daimyo lords, peasants, traders and religious pilgrims,” she said.
“To stretch the legs on a section of the road opens a fascinating insight into what life was like in Japan during the Edo Period. Equally appealing are the many panoramic viewing points and villages visited along the way.”
The move to promote Nagano as a summer destination came with the release of the latest tourism nine-month statistics (January-August) which showed a 25% growth in night stays by Australians compared with the same period last year.
To highlight what Nakasendo has to offer to Australians, a webinar will take place in March, covering the best walks along the winding trails, the mountainous scenery, various inns and bubbling hot springs.
A date for the webinar will be confirmed in the early new year.
Interest will also focus on the food scene, the fresh local ingredients used to create seasonal dishes that are distinct from other areas of Japan.
See Go Nagano (go-nagano.net)
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