【1泊2日】何も考えずに長野へ旅行してみた！

I had Togakushi Soba at Gohonzan Iwaya, one of Japan's three great soba varieties. It's characterized by not having nori (seaweed) and often comes with tempura. If you show your Togakushi Zenkoji 1-Day Pass, you get an extra side dish. While waiting for your soba, they serve a small appetizer and soba tea, which is a traditional hospitality. The soba noodles are made with the whole buckwheat husk, giving them a slightly darker, speckled appearance. The tempura features local mountain vegetables and mushrooms, and the local Togakushi daikon radish adds a spicy kick. It's a truly authentic and delicious experience.

I visited Zenkoji Temple, a national treasure. The main hall is impressive, and you can enjoy a panoramic view of the snowy city from there. Don't miss the 'kaidan-meguri,' a pitch-black underground passage where you walk in complete darkness to find the 'key to paradise.' It's a unique and memorable experience, though photography is not allowed inside. The temple grounds are beautiful, even in winter, with snow-covered structures and a frozen pond. The temple is a popular spot, even in freezing temperatures.

At Iida City Zoo, you can feed the monkeys for ¥100. Just put the coin in the slot, and you'll get a monkey biscuit. The monkeys are surprisingly calm and gentle when taking the food. It's a fun and interactive experience, especially for kids. Don't miss the albino raccoon dog, a rare sight!

I visited Magome-juku, a historic post town on the Nakasendo trail. While much of it was rebuilt after a fire, the Togawa Family Residence is one of the few original buildings remaining from the Edo period. It's a Registered Tangible Cultural Property, and you can pay ¥300 to enter. The family members who live there are incredibly kind and share fascinating stories about the house's history, including how it survived the fire due to the efforts of firefighters from a neighboring village. It's a unique opportunity to step back in time and learn about local history.

I arrived at Gero Onsen, one of Japan's three great hot springs. I started by visiting the Gero Onsen Hot Spring Shrine, where you can pray for the hot spring's continued flow and cleanse your hands with the cold spring water, then warm them with actual hot spring water. The water is incredibly smooth, making your hands feel silky. I also tried the famous Gero Onsen pudding, which is warmed in the hot spring water. It's surprisingly delicious, defying the saying 'local specialties are rarely good.' Finally, I relaxed at the Sarasara-no-Yu footbath, though it's a bit rocky and not the most comfortable. The water is genuinely hot spring water, leaving your skin smooth.

I had Hida beef steak at a butcher shop in Gero Onsen's main street. You choose your cut of meat, and for an extra ¥200, they grill it for you on the spot. I ordered the fillet steak, and it was incredibly delicious and tender. It's a fantastic way to enjoy high-quality local beef, especially since the shop closes at 4 PM, so make sure to go early.

I took the Hida Limited Express Green Car from Gero to Nagoya. The Green Car offers incredibly spacious seats with deep recline, making it very comfortable. The front row seats even allow you to fully extend your legs. It's a great way to relax after a long trip, especially if you want to avoid crowded ordinary cars. The journey takes about 1 hour and 43 minutes, offering beautiful views of the mountains and rivers along the way. I even managed to fall asleep, which is rare for me on a train.