Nagano Prefecture

Nagano, set within the majestic Japan Alps, is a cultural treasure trove of historic shrines and temples — above all the famous Zenkō-ji. The region is also a hotspot for skiing and snowboarding, offering some of the country's finest powder.

• The ancient Zenkō-ji temple and its lantern-lit halls
• Wild snow monkeys bathing in steaming hot springs
• Some of Japan's deepest, lightest powder snow