2026 Saku Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in September)

#NaganoTrip [Yokohama Iekei Ramen Sakudaira Tamashikoya] Yokohama Iekei Ramen Sakudaira Tamashikoya is recommended for those who like creamy, rich, and flavorful ramen! They also have a wide selection of condiments, such as garlic and ginger, so you can customize your own flavor. 😊 #Gourmet #GourmetTrip #CoupleTrip #GourmetFood #NaganoPrefecture #Ramen

If you're an anime fan passing through Nagano on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, don't miss JR Sakudaira Station! This is the hometown of Buronson, the creator of *Fist of the North Star*. To commemorate this legendary manga, the city has installed highly collectible, brightly colored manhole covers around the station. Stepping out, you can practically hear the iconic catchphrase: "Omae wa mou shindeiru (You are already dead)!" 🗺️ Practical Quick Stop Guide: Collecting All 7 Painted Manhole Covers Even with limited time on my trip, I made a special quick Shinkansen pilgrimage! All 7 painted manhole covers are located along the tree-lined path right outside the Tateshina Exit (South Exit) of JR Sakudaira Station. You can easily spot them all within a 10-minute walk: Classic Character Lineup: Kenshiro, Raoh, Toki, Yuria, Jagi, Rei, and Thouzer. Photography Tips: The manhole covers are incredibly well-preserved and the colors are extremely vibrant. I recommend taking vertical top-down shots for the most striking visual impact! 🚆 Transportation and Extended Itinerary How to Get There: Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo for a direct ride of about 1 hour and 15 minutes to JR Sakudaira Station. Extended Trip Ideas: Sakudaira Station is also a major transfer hub for the JR Koumi Line. After your manhole cover pilgrimage, I highly recommend hopping on the Koumi Line to venture deep into the Nagano highlands. Head to Nobeyama Station—the highest railway station in Japan—for breathtaking views and rich highland ice cream! If you're planning a railway journey around the Nagano or Karuizawa area, why not schedule a 30 to 45-minute stopover at Sakudaira Station? It's a fantastic, free, and surprisingly cool hidden gem for anime lovers!

#natureexploration You HAVE to visit 📍 Togakushi Shrine ✨ Why it’s special: 🌲 Ancient cedar avenue A straight path lined with massive cedar trees Some have been standing for centuries It honestly feels like walking into another world. 🎟️ Entrance is FREE But you’ll need to walk a bit to reach the famous cedar path 👉 Don’t worry — it’s mostly flat and easy ❄️ Best time to visit? Winter = snow covering the shrine gate = magical But honestly… this place looks otherworldly in ANY season 🚗 How to get there: Best option: Rent a car via Trip.com → Paid parking available right at the entrance Alternative: Public transport like the Nagano Highland Express → Works, but needs planning and less flexible ⚠️ Winter tips: Path can be snowy & slippery We didn’t use crampons, but walked very slowly and carefully Totally manageable, just don’t rush 🌄 Go early Sun sets fast in the mountains Morning = best light + fewer people Save this for your Nagano trip 🌨️

This time I went to Saku City, purely to relax and experience the fresh farmland style of strawberry picking, specially chose AQA Luxury Hotel. This hotel is very conveniently located next to Sakuhira Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, and you can go directly to Karuizawa. There are AEON shopping malls, restaurants and many convenience stores nearby. AQA Luxury Hotel In terms of location, the hotel is close to Sakuhira Station, so you can easily get there even with luggage in tow. The transportation is extremely convenient, and if you want to quickly visit Karuizawa, it is even more accessible from one stop, especially for those who want to stay for one night and don't want to struggle. There is also AEON nearby, so you don't have to worry about shopping and finding food. In terms of hotel facilities, new renovations, rooms are much more spacious than hotels in downtown Tokyo, and open views outside the window. It's very comfortable to take a dip in hot soup after a day away. There are also self-service laundry rooms, vending machines and self-service lounge, so it's easy to chill for a night. In terms of service and hygiene, the staff was very friendly and helpful at check-in, and the room was super clean for peace of mind. The hotel offers free parking, so you can rent a car and drive yourself without the hassle. Real stay: The most amazing thing is the cleanliness of the room, completely dust-free and odorless, feeling very comfortable to live. After strawberry picking, go back to the hotel to make hot soup and eat supper bought from AEON. It is a relaxing trip. There is AEON nearby, it is extremely convenient to restock and buy souvenirs. Tip, breakfast is reasonable, want more choices actually nearby shopping mall restaurants are good. Some guests will mind if the hotel does not have a bathtub, so it is recommended to note before booking. The quality of minor service and breakfast can be improved, but the overall value for money is super high. Surrounding attractions: Saku City itself does not have many tourists, but there are many natural farms, and strawberry gardens where you can participate in picking activities. Hotel booking tips: It is recommended to book online in advance, the closer to the station it will be more popular. Check with the staff to confirm if the room type has a bathtub when checking in. If you have requirements for breakfast, consider close to AEON or the station restaurant. There are not many accommodation options near Sakuhira Station, and AQA Luxury Hotel is considered the most practical. As a city in Nagano Prefecture, Saku City is extremely convenient for a quick transit or idyllic day trip. Remember to join the strawberry garden picking activities in season and feel the real Japanese rural atmosphere. Self-driving friends remember to pay attention to the road conditions during the snow season. The quiet and comfortable small city is suitable for those who want to take a short break from the city's fast pace. #Sakushistay #ShinkansenDirect #StrawberryPicking #AEONShopping#

#February Destinations 2026 Climb to the top of this landmark tower, and your view instantly transforms from the buildings on the ground to a grand map perspective, creating a strikingly balanced visual experience: · Panoramic view of Pentagram Castle: Stand by the window on the **Observation Deck (2nd Floor).** Directly overlook the "Goryu-kaku-heki" (Pentagonal Castle) below. The perfect symmetry between the pentagram-shaped moat and the Hakodate Magistrate's Office within creates a powerful visual impact; every shot looks like a high-flying aerial photograph. · Vertical drop of the glass floor: Focus on the observation deck's unique transparent tempered glass floor. The framed glass frames capture the street below 107 meters. This interplay of virtual space and physical structure creates a powerful visual impact. · 360-degree Hakodate loop: Walk around the observation deck. The horizontal frames of the floor-to-ceiling windows align with distant views of Mount Hakodate, the Tsugaru Strait, and the Yokotsu mountain range. The interplay between the gray indoor ceiling and the vibrant seascape outside the windows creates a highly textured and saturated visual effect. 【Quick Travel Notes】 · Photo Highlights: The observation deck also features the "Goryokaku History Gallery," showcasing the history of Goryokaku. The exquisitely arranged models create a visually appealing scene when photographed together. · Admission: Adults 1,000 yen (approximately 215 NTD). · Opening Hours: 09:00 - 18:00 · Location: 43-9 Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate City

2nd STREET Reuse Shop, a popular Japanese retail chain that specializes in secondhand and vintage clothing, accessories, and household goods.

#hellonewyear #thingstodo #autumnvibes

[Chatamaya] 📍Address: 102-1 Kuwayama, Saku City, Nagano Prefecture 《Access》 Bus Stop: Hachiman Shrine Mae / Approximately 12 minutes walk from Chikuma Bus Bus Stop: Shimohara Chuo / Approximately 15 minutes walk from Chikuma Bus Bus Stop: Hachiman (Yamanote Line/Nakasendo Line) / Approximately 16 minutes walk from Chikuma Bus 🕰️Business Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM ✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲ Popular high-quality eggs available online: "Elgoran Mei" and "Asama Komachi" Luxurious egg-based sweets like "Egg Pudding" and "Gelato" are also available... Their exquisite cream puffs are a huge hit! Apparently they're also available at famous stores like Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi in Tokyo and Daimaru in Sapporo and Kobe. #TravelWithPochiKatsu #Nagano #Eggs #CreamPuffs #NaganoTourism

I took the Shinkansen to see the manhole covers. It was a bit cold when I got off the train, but the sky was beautiful. There are many things related to Fist of the North Star in the station. If you like Fist of the North Star, you can come and see it if you have the chance. The manhole covers are outside the station. There is a sign in front of the station indicating the approximate location of each manhole cover. I quickly found seven by following the map. #travel #traveller #japan #tokyo #trip #Sakudaira #日本 #随手拍 #旅行 #旅行好きな人と灌りたい #旅行記 #旅游 #traveltheworld #travelgram #trip #traveling #travel #photo #photooftheday

#cherryblossom25 Goryokaku Park is a former star-shaped military fort turned public space, and in spring, it transforms into one of Hokkaido’s most spectacular cherry blossom destinations. Over 1,500 cherry trees line the moat and fill the park’s geometric grounds. The best view is from Goryokaku Tower, where visitors can see the fortress framed perfectly in pink. With its historical roots and distinctive design, Goryokaku offers a cherry blossom experience unlike any other in Japan.

#cherryblossom25 Hakodate’s most famous cherry blossom spot is Goryokaku Park, a former star-shaped fortress from the Edo period, now transformed into a public park with around 1,600 Somei Yoshino cherry trees. Walking among the cherry blossoms surrounded by stone walls and moats offers a unique mix of historical depth and springtime beauty. That's why Goryokaku Park is a blend of history and nature to view cherry blossoms.

#cherryblossom25 I had the most fortunate timing during my cherry blossom chase in Hokkaido! The morning was filled with steady rain, and the sky stayed overcast until midday. But just as I was starting to think the weather might not cooperate, the clouds parted, and the sun broke through in the afternoon. 🌞 It was a brief but beautiful moment—perfect for experiencing Hokkaido’s iconic cherry blossoms! While the surrounding streets of Goryokaku Park were already bursting with color, the park itself was still in the early stages of full bloom. The Goryokaku cherry trees hadn’t yet reached their peak, but the sight was still enchanting. There were enough blossoms to create a magical atmosphere, and the contrast of the sun’s rays filtering through the pink petals made the entire scene feel like a living postcard. 🌸 If you're planning to visit in the coming days, you're in luck—the best of Hokkaido's cherry blossoms is just about to unfold. The buds are there, the weather is improving, and in the next couple of days, the park will likely be at its most breathtaking! For now, I’m just glad to have caught the tail end of this cherry blossom season in Hakodate, and I can’t wait to see how it all progresses. It was truly a fleeting, yet magical experience! #travel

[Teppan Steak Dining Mimi] in Saku City, Nagano Prefecture This restaurant requires reservations all day long, and you can enjoy delicious teppanyaki grilled right in front of you🥩 The course menu is delicious, from the appetizers to the main meat, which is soft and melts in your mouth🤤 Please go and try it✨ #0 yen travel 📍Address: 103, Nagason 2nd Building, 15-3 Sakudaira Station South, Saku City, Nagano Prefecture 385-0029 🏖️Atmosphere/Facilities: Good 💰Price per person: From 5,000 yen 🅿️: Free parking available

[Taiwanese cuisine, Fukukoro] in Saku City, Nagano Prefecture There are many set menus, and you can enjoy a full meal of Taiwanese cuisine for 1000 yen💯 The fried chicken is crispy and juicy, and the garlic fried rice has a strong garlic flavor and is delicious🧄 Please go and try it✨ #0 yen travel 📍Address: 3125-1 Nakagome, Saku City, Nagano Prefecture 385-0051 🕰️Business hours: 11:00-14:30 17:00-23:00 💰Price per person: Approximately 1000 yen 🅿️: Free parking available

#springwander Hakodate Park's spring transformation is breathtaking! Cherry blossoms dance in soft pink hues, while vibrant flowers burst with color. Historic landmarks and serene ponds add to the charm. Strolling through the park, I felt spring's warmth and beauty. A perfect blend of nature and culture! Unforgettable spring moments in Hakodate! #HakodatePark #SpringVibes # #HakodateSpring

· An event taking place in May in Saku City, Nagano Prefecture! · Balloon Festival

About an hour's drive from Karuizawa 🚗 Although it's not in a convenient location, it's a well-known spot among locals. It seems to be a popular cafe among the locals! I was told about it by a local and visited during my trip to Karuizawa. There were logs piled up at the entrance, so I had high expectations 🪵 When I entered, there was a wood stove! The charm of winter ✨ I ordered a set of cake and scones with hot apple juice. The coffee in the set could be changed to a dark roast! The inside of the cafe felt like a renovated traditional house, and it was more spacious than it looked from the outside. All the chairs and tables were different! There was also a terrace outside. I arrived around 10 AM, and before I knew it, more people started coming in 👀 It might be fully packed in the afternoon. The handmade scones with jam and coffee were a perfect match! In the summer, I want to drink coffee on the terrace with my dog 🐶 🏠: YUSHI CAFE 💰: Tempodo Coffee from 450 yen 📍: 2379 Kyowa, Saku City, Nagano Prefecture

About 30 minutes by car from Karuizawa 🚗 I went to visit Hanagao Inari Shrine, one of the top 5 Inari shrines in Japan! It is said that this shrine was built to enshrine a branch of the deity from the famous Kyoto Fushimi Inari Shrine, and there were many red torii gates ⛩️ It was New Year's Day, so most people were there for the first visit of the year, but some people were also praying for protection from evil. Fried tofu was offered at the Inari shrine 🥹 It seems that a festival called "Hatsuuma Festival" is held every year on February 11th, and many people come to buy daruma dolls! It is one of the shrines I would like to visit again if I go on a trip to Karuizawa 🫶 ⛩️: Hanagao Inari Shrine 📍: 4261 Hanagao, Iwamurata, Saku City, Nagano Prefecture #Seasonal places in Japan #Shrine #Shrine tour

Heading to Karuizawa in winter! A tour of the Karuizawa Beer factory that can be enjoyed even when it's cold or snowing🍻 It's about a 2-30 minute drive from Karuizawa🚗 The tour itself takes just under 30 minutes, with 30 minutes for tasting. You can choose from three types of beer servers while looking at Mt. Asama! This time there were three types: yuzu, white, and red. It seems that white beer is only available in winter, so some people visit every season👀 And above all, you can only drink draft beer here! The canned beer they sell is heat-treated, so it's not draft🤫 Isn't 500 yen too cheap for that draft beer and a souvenir canned beer? I'd love to drink draft beer on the terrace while looking at Mt. Asama in the summer! I'm daydreaming about it 🤤 🏠: Karuizawa Brewery Factory (THE Karuizawa Beer) 💰: Factory tour 500 yen 📍: Nagatoro 64-3, Saku City, Nagano Prefecture #seasonal places in Japan #Karuizawa #beer factory #factory tour #draft beer

Karuizawa Kogen Church is located in the woods next to Hotel Bleston Court. The huge triangular roof extends all the way to the ground, like a magical cottage from a fairy tale. The simple and elegant wooden structure exudes a warm atmosphere. As the door slowly opens, the strong church atmosphere can be felt immediately. The structure of Karuizawa Kogen Church is made entirely of wood, which is simple and gentle, making people feel like they have entered a forest cabin in a fairy tale, and find their most innocent self. The predecessor of Karuizawa Kogen Church was the Hoshino School, built in 1921, so the words "Hoshino School" can still be seen on the door of the church. The faint fragrance of the wooden building, the soft sunlight shining on the marble road through the front window, and the gentle harp music in the ears, all make people feel happy even when there is no one around.

Wild Bird Hill Park in Saku City, Nagano Prefecture There is free parking, and you can see a spectacular view of the reservoir right in front of you👀 You can walk from the parking lot to a place where you can see the reservoir, and if you look from a bench, you can see the beautiful water surface of the reservoir and the birds perched on it🦜 It is highly recommended when you want to spend a very quiet and peaceful time in the area✨️ #0 yen trip January 2025 📍Address: 1110 Nakagomi, Saku City, Nagano Prefecture 385-0051 🕰️Business hours: 24 hours 🅿️: Free parking available

[Keyaki Park] in Saku City, Nagano Prefecture There are supermarkets and restaurants in the surrounding area, and this park, located in the center of the area, is a beautifully maintained park that is often used as a place to take a break between walks and shopping. 👌🏻 It's very sunny, so we recommend taking a break on the benches on a nice day. ✨️ Please be sure to visit if you're in the area. ✨️ #0 yen travel January 2025 📍Address: 23-1 Sakudaira Station South, Saku City, Nagano Prefecture 385-0029 🕰️Opening hours: 24 hours 💰Price per person: Free

[Housin] in Saku City, Nagano Prefecture It's located right after getting off at Saku Interchange, so it's very accessible👌🏻 The popular set menu has a wide variety of options, and you can eat your fill for a cheap price🤤 The Taiwanese ramen is addictive with just the right amount of spiciness👍🏻 Please give it a try✨ #0yentravelJanuary2025 📍Address: 1-24-1 Iwamuratakita, Saku City, Nagano Prefecture 385-0023 🕰️Business hours: 11:00-14:30 17:00-23:00 💰Price per person: Approximately 1,000 yen 🅿️: Free parking available

Izumiya Confectionery in Saku City, Nagano Prefecture Japanese sweets made with ingredients from Shinshu and Western sweets such as puddings are lined up 🍮 They also sell cakes in the showcase, so there is a wide variety of sweets available 👌🏻 The walnut-filled pie "Sakuko" seems to be a popular souvenir 🙆♀️ There are many souvenirs that can only be purchased here, so please be sure to visit ✨ #FritabiWinter 📍Address: 3020-1 Otsuka, Nakagome, Saku City, Nagano Prefecture 385-0051 🕰️Business hours: 9:30-20:00

SK Flower Planning Saku Branch in Saku City, Nagano Prefecture You can choose flowers from the display case and have them make a bouquet for you, or leave it to the staff👌🏻 This time I asked for a bouquet for a happy wedding, and the staff was very kind and included a message card☺️ They have a wide variety of flowers, so you're sure to be able to make a wonderful bouquet💐 Please go and check it out✨ #FuriTabiWinter 📍Address: 746-8 Yokone, Saku City, Nagano Prefecture 385-0001

Saku City, Nagano Prefecture. Hirao Onsen Miharashi no Yu is located at the Sakudaira PA on the Joshinetsu Expressway. The view from the open-air bath is spectacular. From the open-air observation bath, you can see the Northern Alps, Kirigamine Plateau, Mt. Tateshina, Yatsugatake, and even the Chichibu Mountains. In addition to the open-air bath, you can enjoy a variety of things such as a tub bath, a carbonated bath, a replacement bath, and a sauna. There is also a tatami room where you can lie down and rest, making it perfect for resting your body after a long drive. You can also eat and buy souvenirs. I went there around 4:30pm on a weekday, and it was empty, so I was able to relax in the hot spring and enjoy the spectacular view. I was really grateful to have a hot spring at the PA. The price was 💰 per person: ¥800, and was paid at the automatic payment machine. This is a hot spring with a spectacular view, so please stop by. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 📍: Hirao Onsen Miharashi no Yu♨️ 2682 Shimohirao, Saku City, Nagano Prefecture ☎️0267-68-0261 🚗Inside Sakudaira PA on the Joshinetsu Expressway Opening hours 11:00-21:00 Open all year round #Nagano#Saku #Great view #Winter trip #Hot spring

Roadside Station Hot Park Asashina in Saku City, Nagano Prefecture There is a free parking lot behind the building, and if you walk towards the building from the parking lot, you can see this amazing view☺️ On sunny days, there is nothing blocking your view, so you can enjoy the view🙆♀️ There are hammocks in the grassy area outside, so you can relax and sway👌🏻 They also sell souvenirs such as rice and agricultural products inside the store, so please check it out✨ #0 yen trip November 📍Address: 2177-1 Ko, Saku City, Nagano Prefecture, 384-2104 🕰️Business hours: 9:00-18:00