I only really had one day trip to explore Nagano, that visited the snow monkeys, an orchard shop and some temples. I had a week of après ski dinners in Hakuba.
I had 7 nights in Hakuba, 4 nights in Shinjuku and 1 night in Kyoto. Nagano was the contrast to my urban travels in Japan.
I wish I saw more of Japan.
If I visit again, I think I will spend most of my time outside the biggest cities.
