J+L in Transit

Train to Nagano

The train to Nagano was our first experience on the Shinkansen bullet train. We used our JR Pass (we can take unlimited trains for 2 weeks) and it was very convenient to get on. The train itself was very comfortable and VERY fast. There was plenty of leg room and a well-stocked food cart. We got to Nagano in about an hour and a half.

Shinkansen for Nagano

1166 Backpackers Hostel

We stayed at 1166 Backpackers hostel for a very reasonable price. The hostel was centrally located and a quick walk to the Zenko-ji temple as well as the rest of the town.

Front of the 1166 Backpackers Hostel

Zenko-ji Temple

Zenko-ji Temple is beautiful and has a lot of history. There has been a temple at Zenko-ji for about 1500 years, and it is said to contain the first Buddah statue ever brought to Japan (it is kept hidden). We went underneath the temple into a pitch-black tunnel. Feeling our way along the tunnel, we felt what is said to be the key to Paradise, hanging on the wall.

Zenko-ji Temple

Zenko-ji Temple

Zenko-ji Temple

Zenko-ji Temple

Zenko-ji Temple

Original Site of the Temple, Just Down the Street

Lunch at Cafe de Kampoh

Lunch at Cafe de Kampoh was modern and delicious, and the staff were extremely friendly.

Lunch at Cafe de Kampoh, Salad Dressing Sampler and Mini-Smoothie

Nagano Town

Nagano is full of souvenir shops, coffee shops, restaurants, and other charming establishments.

Shops Leading Up to the Temple

Arcade Street

Dinner at Nihonmatsu Izakaya

We ate dinner at the Nihonmatsu Izakaya, which specialized in soba (delicious) and locust (watch James eat one below).

Locusts (Actually Pretty Tasty)