Even though the snow will be gone, Jigokudani Yaenkoen (Monkey Park) will still be worth the trip. It’s about an hour north of Nagano City.

Another day trip from Nagano City worth taking is out to Togakushi. Beautiful hiking, a ninja museum(!), and lessons in which you make your own soba noodles (then eat them).

A closer day trip is up to Iizuna Kogen – just north of the city (30 min drive). They had the olympics there. 10 nice ponds, onsen, campground, mountain sled ride, and a nice golf course just past it.

If you’re wondering where the foreigners grab a beer in Nagano City, head to Liberty. It moved to a new location just after I moved, but it’s still near the station, so ask around and you should find it fairly easily. Bluebird is also a block from the station (west exit) and good for drinks, darts, etc.

Enjoy your trip!