Expert Advice: Hiking, Walking and Biking Nagano Series

Nagano author and resident Peter Ninnes has recently published the fourth travel guide in the “Hiking, Walking and Biking Nagano” series, sub-titled “16 Tours in Nagano City”. In the series, Peter creates unique hiking, walking and biking self-guided tours based in different areas of the scenic Nagano Prefecture 長野県. Each tour has a detailed English description, color photographs, and a full color map.

Nagano Castle

Nagano-ken is a prefecture of Japan located in the Chūbu region and has some of the world’s most impressive mountainous areas, including the Kita-Alps Northern Alps, Chu-Alps, and Southern Alps. In addition to its natural scenic beauty and rich history, Nagano was host to the 1998 Winter Olympics, which gained the area international recognition as a world-class winter-sport destination.

To service the Olympics, a Shinkansen line to Tokyo was built enabling visitors a speedy and comfortable journey here in about 90 minutes. The JR Pass can be used on the Shinkansen as well.

Hiking, Walking and Biking Nagano: 16 Tours in Nagano City (Published June 10, 2014)

松代城　Matsushiro Castle

From the ancient temple of Zenkoji, to the historic castle precinct of Matsushiro, to the surrounding forested mountains replete with magnificent views, Nagano City is an amazing place to visit to explore Japan and it’s unique culture. This book provides information in English on all the different aspects of the city and how to make the most of their visit to the city. Each tour has a detailed English description, color photographs, and a full color map.

The 16 hikes, walks and bike rides are:

1. Mt Jizuki Hike 2. Mt Omine Hike 3. Nagano Station to Zenkoji Temple Pilgrim Walk/Ride 4. Nagano Station to Ueda Castle Park via Kawanakajima Ancient Battlefield Ride 5. Mt Chausu Hike 6. Matsushiro Walk/Ride 7. Mt Amakazari Hike 8. Mt Kimyo Hike 9. Mt Taro Hike 10. Togakushi Five Shrines Walk 11. Togakushi Lake Walk 12. Togakushi Beech Forest and Mt Meno Hike 13. Mt Iizuna Hike 14. Mt Jinbadaira Hike 15. Mt Sunahachi Hike 16. Mt Hijiri Hike

Hiking, Walking and Biking Nagano: 16 Tours in Karuizawa and Environs (Published October 14, 2013)

karuizawa

Lush forests, soaring mountains, a unique history mixing East and West, plus outlet shopping and golf courses galore: Karuizawa has something for everyone. The town is tucked into the easternmost part of Nagano Prefecture and has an abundance of hiking, walking and biking opportunities. Visit well-preserved buildings from the town’s origins as a summer retreat. Enjoy the brilliant colours of autumn. Relax on tranquil mountain tops. Admire the mansions of the rich and famous. Soak up the beauty of waterfalls and tree-lined avenues.

The 16 hikes, walks and bike rides are:

1. KARUIZAWA STATION TO KYU-KARUIZAWA WALK/RIDE 2. KYU-KARUIZAWA TO OLD USUI PASS WALK 3. MT HANARE HIKE 5. MT SAKURADO HIKE 6. MT HANAMAGARI, MT RUFU AND MT INOJI HIKE 7. ONIOSHIDASHI WALK 8. KARUIZAWA NATIONAL BIRD SANCTUARY WALK/RIDE 9. SHIOZAWA AREA WALK/RIDE 10. SENGATAKI WATERFALL HIKE 11. SHIRAITO FALLS HIKE 12. MT KOASAMA HIKE 13. MT SEKISON HIKE 14. MT ASAMA (MT MAEKAKE) HIKE 15. OLD SHIN’ETSU RAILWAY TUNNELS WALK 16. KARUIZAWA FULL DAY BIKE TOUR

Hiking, Walking and Biking Nagano: 16 Tours in Ueda City and Environs (Published Oct 4, 2012)

黄葉の前山寺　A Pagoda and Autumn Leaves

Ueda City is in the eastern part of Nagano Prefecture and the city and its surroundings provide an intriguing mixture of nature, history and culture. Encircled by forested, 2,000m high mountains, there is a wealth of hiking opportunities providing dramatic views down to the Chikuma River valley and adjacent fertile plains. The city has a rich history, which is explored in a number of walks in this book. Bessho Onsen provides a chance to soak in some ancient hot springs. In addition, there are famous temples and shrines nearby, many dating from the 13th century. Ueda City and environs provide a memorable engagement with one of Japan’s most livable cities.

The 16 hikes, walk and bike rides are:

1. Central Ueda City Walk/Ride 2. Unnojuku Walk/Ride 3. Mt Taro Hike 4. Mt Daidou Hike 5. Ikushima Tarushima Shrine and Mt Higashi Hike Bessho Onsen Area 6. Bessho Onsen Walk/Ride 7. Shioda Plains Walk/Ride 8. Mt Ogami Hike 9. Mt Tokko Hike Aoki Village Area 10. Mt Juukan and Mt Otaka Hike 11. Mt Komayumi Hike Maruko Area 12. Maruko Castle Park and Temples Walk Sugadaira Kogen 13. Mt Azumaya and Mt Neko Hike Yunomaru Kogen 14. Mt Eboshi and Mt Yunomaru Hike 15. Mt Kagonoto and Mt Mizunoto Hike Komoro City Area 16. Nunobiki Temple and Komoro Castle Park Hike

Hiking, Walking and Biking Nagano: 20 Nature, History and Culture Tours in Chikuma City (Published December 1, 2011)

cherry blossoms & river chikuma

Chikuma City is in beautiful Nagano Prefecture, and straddles the Chikuma River, Japan’s longest, and is surrounded by forested mountains. With this book readers can easily experience the breathtaking vistas from the top of Mt Kamuriki or Mt Gorigamine; take in the diverse mountain shrines and temples around Togura-Kamiyamada Onsen; or soak up the blossoms in Mori Apricot Village.

The 20 tours in the book comprise 8 town tours (which can be done on foot or bike) and 12 easy to medium level difficulty mountain hikes, all of which can be done in one day or less.  With a wealth of information about natural, historical and cultural features found along the way ensure a richer understanding of the area than would otherwise be possible.

About the Author

Peter Ninnes is an author and consultant who has lived in Japan since 2007. Peter gives us a little history of himself:

photos by: Kabacchi & , , ,