Nagano Trip Day 2 – Nagano City!

I was planning to go somewhere in Nagano all night, but all plans has changed because the weather wasn't good in the morning… It was raining… So I decided to stay in Nagano city instead of somewhere far.

I passed JR Nagano station in the morning, and on the way to the famous temple, Zenko-ji(善光寺).

Before I visit Zenko-ji, I stop by a shop which has handmade Oyaki. My second time at this shop, and I really like it. It was cold outsite, but they have fire inside to making Oyaki, it's pretty warm.

Even I just ordered 1 Oyaki, they still serve me a tea and a soup. They do have some Tsukemono(pickled things) that you can try if you like on the table/counter.

I was sitting near the fire, instead of table seat. And it's kind of counter seat(they do have real counter seat in the other room), can see how they making the Oyaki, and get warm.

After my snack, I continue my walks to Zenko-ji. This is the gate of Zenko-ji temple.

There is an interesting board, asking where are you from? Some pins under that you can point out where you from.
Many people did it, and many people stopped there to see where people from, I think, it's a good idea to interact with tourists too.

A souvenir shop(!?) at temple area. Fulled of people who wants to bring good lucks home!

Omikuji, a place where you can ask and get a fortune. This Omikuji house is empty, but the one in front of temple, and near temple were fulled of people… 

Daruma house, where people can put Daruma back to temple. 
*Japanese people usually return these holy stuffs back during New Year period, and get a new one home for good luck!

It's my second time at Zenko-ji temple as well, therefore, I didn't join the temple tour this time. I actually went to an Art museum near, Higashiyama Kaii Gallery(東山魁夷館). I couldn't take any picture inside, only this picture outside of this museum.

I bought my souvenir from this shop, this is named Mokeke(モケケ).
I know it, because one of our staff before, Dana, who was collect it when she was in Japan. And she told me this is a good souvenir when traveling around Japan. Because it has many versions around Japan.

This photo was download from the website, Shinada Company
And you can see many Mokeke around Japan! LOL

Lunch time! This Soba restaurant located very closed to Zenko-ji temple, it was recommend by local people.
My lunch set was Tempura Soba, and it was so tasted!

After lunch, I found a Sake Brewery near.

Free Sake!

And can have a look in the Sake Brewery.

A corner at Sake Brewery.

It started snow… And I took many photos of snows too!
People on the street were watching me, becasue I was so happy to see snow on my hand!
After Sake, I went to a onsen place to have a relax.
It's about 20min walk from Zenko-ji, and they do have a shuttle bus from Nagano station to this Onsen area. It's a very nice onsen place, but not allowed Tatoo people.
Here is onsen place website(Japanese only): http://www.uruoikan.com/bath/
*I saw some foreigners at this onsen bath as well, it should be no language problem at all.

My dinner before my bus back to Tokyo. Very health meal set, but I was in a hurry to finish it.
I really hate to be in a hurry when I am enjoying my delicious meal, but this time, I made a mistake of my time, and need to catch my bus in 30min… I had only 15min to eat, and run to the other side of Nagano station for my bus.
Anyway, it was an adventure trip for me, and I was happy of the things I saw, the food I had, and enjoy onsen many times in 2 days. I love onsen so much!
If you are interested in my Nagano Trip Day 1, please click the link below.
Nagano Trip Day 1 – Monkey Onsen & Shibu Onsen!
Alice