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Nagano and Niigata prefectures continue to lose population overall, but selected resort and rural municipalities are moving in the opposite direction. Foreign residents are supporting growth in internationally oriented tourism markets such as Hakuba and Myoko, while domestic migrants are contributing to population gains in towns offering access to nature, more space and relatively attainable housing. Typical Nagano prefecture skyline. Note the very clear water the area is fam

Singapore-based investment fund Patience Capital Group (PCG) is spearheading a major international resort development in the Myoko Kogen area of Niigata Prefecture, with the aim of creating a sustainable, all-season mountain destination. At a multi-stakeholder public-private council convened on July 15, PCG presented its phased plan to open two hotels and commercial facilities by the winter of 2028, eventually expanding the development to six hotels. Multi-Phase Plan with Bra

Shinano Railway, headquartered in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture, is considering launching a new express train service connecting Myoko Kogen and Karuizawa. President Tomonori Tsuchiya revealed the plan in an interview with The Niigata Nippo published on June 28th. The proposed route aims to boost ridership by shortening travel times between two key tourist destinations ahead of a major resort development in the Myoko Kogen area. Targeting 2028 Resort Launch Currently, Shinano

Japan-based adventure tourism firm Canyons Founder Mike Harris recorded a video call with Adam German earlier in June for a...

On June 16th, Seibu Fudosan announced plans to revitalize a collection of 233 cottages at the Prince Grand Resort Karuizawa,...

Niigata Prefecture will establish a public-private consultative council in July to oversee a large-scale resort development by Singapore-based Patience Capital Group (PCG) in the Myoko Kogen area. The council will include PCG and Myoko City officials, as city leaders plan a separate body to address residents' concerns. Myoko City Mayor Yoji Kido at press conference on June 5th, 2025. Photo courtesy of Joetsu Myoko Town Jouhou. Myoko City Mayor Kido, while expressing antici

When most people think of high-quality Japanese rice, Niigata often comes to mind. But tucked away in the mountainous heart of Japan,...

Nagano Prefecture, particularly the Shiojiri Kikyo Gahara area, is renowned for its wine production. Wine grape cultivation in this...

Every January 15th, the serene village of Nozawa Onsen in Nagano Prefecture transforms into a spectacle of fire, tradition, and community...

Nested in the forested mountains of Nagano Prefecture, Togakushi Shrine is more than a religious site - it's a sacred journey into...

The Nakasendo Trail is one of Japan’s most scenic and culturally immersive walking routes. Stretching over 500 kilometers from Kyoto to Tokyo, this historic route winds through forested mountains, traditional villages, and beautifully preserved post towns. Some of the most rewarding and atmospheric sections of the trail pass through Nagano Prefecture, where visitors can step back into the Edo period and explore towns that have changed little in over 400 years. Nakasendo trail

Deep in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture lies one of Japan’s most extraordinary wildlife destinations - Jigokudani Monkey Park. Photo...

Zenkoji Temple is one of Japan’s most famous and historically significant Buddhist temples. Located in Nagano City, this sacred site...

Updated with news footage of signing ceremony and new partnership agreement date. On March 4th, the Nikkei Shimbun reported that...

Looking for a truly unique winter experience in Japan? At Restaurant Kamakura Village in Nagano, you can enjoy a hot meal inside a real...

Nagano Prefecture is one of Japan’s most important sake-producing regions, known for its pristine water, mountain-grown rice, and...