• This 1-day tour from Nagano led by an English-speaking National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter visits a miso brewery to watch the miso production process in Nagano Prefecture, Japan’s leading miso-producing region; and Jigokudani Monkey Park, is famous as a place where Japanese macaques soak in hot springs during the cold season. Miso is a traditional food in Japan that has been sustaining the dietary life of the Japanese since ancient times. To watch how miso is made, a historical brewery established about 300 years ago. Obuse, a beautiful town famous for chestnuts. Feel free to stroll around the town and try some local food. Jigokudani Monkey Park is where the behavior of Japanese macaques can be seen up close in every season. As they soak in hot springs characteristic of winter, these Japanese macaques are also called snow monkeys. Enjoy the delightful sight of playful young monkeys and adorable newborns in spring & summer.　Photos©Jigokudani Yaen-Koen Toshio HAGIWARA

See the manufacturing process of miso, the indispensable ingredient of miso soup, and is said to be synonymous with washoku (Japanese cuisine), which has been designated as an intangible cultural property. After the tour, experience Japan’s food culture by sampling some miso soup and amazake.