Tatsuno(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Chino Town, the best choice for authentic Japanese ambiance is Chino Onsen Ryokan, a centuries-old hot spring inn nestled beside the Sinento River. Its wooden beams, tatami rooms, and private outdoor onsen offer serene immersion in rural Japan.

Another standout is Old Chino House Minka, a restored Edo-period warehouse turned boutique guesthouse. Guests enjoy handmade furniture, seasonal kaiseki meals, and access to tea ceremonies held in the original courtyard. Both properties are centrally located near Chino Castle Ruins and Chino Old Town, ideal for travelers seeking cultural depth and quiet retreats.

The central district of Chino Town is the optimal area for lodging due to its proximity to key attractions and local charm. This walkable zone hosts boutique ryokans, family-run inns, and eco-friendly lodges like Family Stay Chino and Chino-no-Machi Minka House.

Guests can easily reach Chino Castle Ruins, Chino Old Town, and the scenic Sinento River Trail within minutes. Dining options include Marufuku Restaurant and Senbon Teahouse, serving regional specialties such as Nagano miso stew and shinshu soba noodles. The area also hosts weekend craft markets and seasonal festivals.

Visitors to Chino Town should not miss the tea ceremony workshop at Old Chino House, a preserved Edo-era residence now used for cultural exchange. Participants learn about matcha preparation, calligraphy, and washi paper crafting.

Additionally, the annual Chino Cherry Blossom Festival features traditional Shinshu dances, handmade lantern displays, and local food stalls offering cherry blossom mochi. These events highlight the town’s dedication to preserving heritage while fostering community engagement.

Chino Town's hot springs are renowned for their high mineral content, particularly bicarbonate sodium, known for skin softening and muscle relaxation. The water originates from deep underground aquifers, reaching a consistent 42°C.

The highlight is the Starry Bath (Hoshi no Yu)—an open-air onsen that opens at night, offering panoramic views of the unpolluted night sky above the Sinento Valley. Some inns also provide herbal steam rooms and forest meditation baths, blending wellness practices with nature healing.

For families traveling to Chino Town, Family Stay Chino is an excellent choice—a spacious, self-catering minka-style house with a private garden, kitchenette, and child-safe play area.

The property offers guided activities such as local pottery workshops and river trekking tours along the Sinento River. Nearby, the Chino Town Children’s Museum features interactive exhibits on agriculture, forestry, and regional history, making it ideal for kids and parents alike to explore together.

Must-try dishes in Chino Town include Shinshu soba noodles made from locally grown buckwheat, Nagano miso yakitori (grilled chicken marinated in regional miso), and wild mountain vegetable tempura.

Visit Senbon Teahouse for daily limited servings of wild garlic rice and matsutake mushroom tofu stew. Seasonal highlights include foraging excursions where locals guide guests through forests to harvest fresh ferns and enoki mushrooms, followed by cooking classes at a guesthouse—offering a complete farm-to-table journey.

Chino Town offers exceptional outdoor experiences thanks to its location in the Sinento River Valley. Try river trekking (kayaking and hiking) along the clear streams, especially refreshing in summer.

Springtime hiking along the Chino Mountain Trail rewards visitors with sweeping views of the Hida Mountains. In autumn, rent an electric bike from the town center to ride the Chino Old Town Loop, lined with fiery maple trees.

The Chino Wetland Park is perfect for birdwatching, home to white egrets, herons, and red-beaked gulls, ideal for nature lovers with binoculars.

For genuine souvenirs, head to the Chino Old Town Craft Market, held every weekend. Local artisans sell handcrafted items including Chino bamboo baskets, washi paper lamps, and wood-carved ornaments.

Look for Shinshu indigo-dyed fabric, using traditional dye techniques with deep, lasting hues—perfect for scarves or wall hangings. Also popular are homemade miso sauce gift sets from Marufuku Restaurant, made with local soybeans and wheat, ideal for gifting or enjoying at home.

Yes, Chino Town is accessible via public transit. Take a JR East train from Nagano Station—about 30 minutes—to Chino Station, where free shuttle buses connect to the town center.

For those driving, the Nagano Expressway leads directly to Chino, with multiple free parking lots nearby, including Chino Central Plaza Parking and Chino Castle Ruins Parking. The town also offers shared e-bike rentals, ideal for short explorations of old streets and walking trails.

The Shinshu Textile Festival is the main attraction in Chino Town, showcasing traditional weaving arts from across Japan, including Kyo-ori, Echigo Uwata, and Shinshu indigo dyeing.

During the festival, the town transforms into a glowing canvas during the Night Weaving Light Show, where large textiles are hung between buildings and illuminated. Additional highlights include traditional dance performances, rice harvest rituals, and farmers’ markets—offering a vivid glimpse into rural life and cultural continuity.