Nagano

Take a free virtual walk through Nagano, Japan — no passport, no flights, no account required. Nearaway streams immersive 4K walking tour footage from Nagano's streets, letting you explore Asia's cities from anywhere in the world.

Nagano's identity was shaped not by a castle or a trading post, but by a temple. Zenkoji, founded in 642 CE, became one of Japan's most revered pilgrimage sites, housing what is believed to be Japan's first Buddha statue — brought from Korea in 552 CE. Its policy of welcoming all Buddhist sects made Nagano a rare open city in feudal Japan. In 1998, the Winter Olympics introduced the world to Nagano's other treasure: wild macaques soaking in hot springs surrounded by snow.

Jigokudani (Hell Valley) Snow Monkey Park is the only place on Earth where wild Japanese macaques bathe in natural hot springs — a behaviour that began in 1963 when a young monkey first entered the waters. The best time for a virtual walk through Nagano is winter (jan–feb) for snow monkeys in hot springs; spring for cherry blossoms. Must-try local foods include Soba noodles (Nagano buckwheat soba is legendary), Oyaki (stuffed steamed dumplings), Nozawana pickles.