Go to https://surfshark.com/lloydandmandy or use code LLOYDANDMANDY at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! There’s a side of Japan that most people never see… A place where ancient castles still stand untouched, snow monkeys soak in natural hot springs, and the mountains stretch endlessly into the sky. In this video, we explore Nagano — one of Japan’s most underrated regions — and honestly, it completely surprised us. From the historic streets of Matsumoto and its iconic black castle, to the snowy peaks of Hakuba, the spiritual calm of Zenko-ji Temple, and the peaceful atmosphere of Shibu Onsen… this felt like a completely different Japan. Quieter. Slower. More authentic. And the craziest part? It’s only a few hours from Tokyo. If you’re planning a trip to Japan and want to experience something beyond the usual tourist spots… don’t skip Nagano. 📍 Locations featured: * Matsumoto Castle & Nakamachi Street * Hakuba Valley (Japanese Alps) * Nagano City & Zenko-ji Temple * Shibu Onsen * Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park We rented our RV from Tokyo-RV Campers - https://tokyo-rv.com Our Favourite Travel Vlog Camera - Insta360GoUltra: https://www.insta360.com/sal/go-ultra?utm_term=INRSGS0QJR0 TRAVEL INSURANCE THAT WE USE AND RECOMMEND: 🏥 Reliable Travel Insurance: https://www.safetywing.com/a/lloydandmandy 💳 Wise travel money card - Click the link for your first transfer fee FREE up to $1000 OR a FREE Travel Card - https://wise.com/invite/dic/amandar1452 💻 Our VPN we use:https://surfshark.deals/LLOYDANDMANDY 🧳 Level8 Luggage use code LM10 for 10% off at checkout - jhttps://www.jdoqocy.com/click-101578418-15212831?url=https%3A%2F%2Fuk.level8cases.com%2F%3Fshpxid%3D20db721d-6bc2-45e3-bf3d-d83bf8049746 🌎 We always book our tours, transfers and activities through GetYourGuide: https://gyg.me/QdNvJdKO 👉 Get Your Sim Local eSIM here: (5% discount): https://tidd.ly/4vhydOe SUPPORT THE CHANNEL: ☕️ Buy Us A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lloydandmandy ⏱ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 A different side of Japan 01:00 Matsumoto Castle 01:49 Nakamachi Street 02:15 Soba noodles 02:41 Hakuba introduction 03:30 Hakuba snow & mountains 05:50 Green season in Hakuba 06:19 Skiing in Hakuba 07:09 Nagano City 07:30 Zenko-ji Temple 08:41 Shibu Onsen 09:24 Snow Monkey Park 10:41 Why Nagano is special #japantravel #nagano #japanvlog #travelguide #hakuba
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Would you add Nagano to your Japan itinerary after seeing this? 🇯🇵 We honestly didn’t expect it to feel THIS different from Tokyo… this might have been our favourite part of the trip. Let us know what surprised you most 👇
Wow,.amazing yet again 👏 stunning castle..so.amazing to be able to camp it like you's did. Heheh Lyla soooo cute in her puffy jacket 😍
チビちゃん、力持ちのお父さんにずっと大人しく背負われて良い子だねえ😊 蕎麦を子供に食べさせる時は気をつけてね。蕎麦のアレルギー症状は酷いからね。
Go to /lloydandmandy or use code LLOYDANDMANDY at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN!
Did a similar route in Jan this year. Nagano is magic, Kanazawa, Takayama, Nagano, Kusatsu, definitely going back there. Great to see U guys enjoyed it so much.
You might know about Zenkoji. We japanese use this idiomatic expressions sometimes; 「牛にひかれて善光寺参り」 Literal translation: "Being led to Zenkoji Temple by a cow." Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where an unexpected invitation or a random event leads someone to a good outcome or a spiritual path, even if it wasn't their original intention. Being led to do good by some accidental event.
Hey I just bought a six pack of Matsumoto!!! Tasted like tooheys
I saw the news that Kamikochi Nature Park, which is currently open to the public for free, will start charging an entrance fee from 2028.
While most Americans are unaware of this, during World War II, the US military bombed 64 Japanese cities, destroying almost all of them. The fact that cultural properties remain in Kyoto and Nara is simply because those cities happened not to be bombing targets. They claim that "Japan attacked Pearl Harbor," but Japan targeted only the military base at Pearl Harbor, not the city itself.
松本城は日本一やで😆子供が大きくなったら中に入ることを勧めるわ😅
Saga Japan also has that and have you been to Yokohama they have a lot there too
When were you guys there? We’re heading to Negano next week wondering if it’s still snowing?
I am always curious to know where you and Lyla will settle permanently, where will feel like home to you.
Hello👋😊🥰👍💝💖💞🫶☺️
Nagano is not the real Japan. It was voted the most boring place in Japan. It only exists as a place you get to in order to get to other places. Like Gifu