SENJU Hiroshi Museum of Art in Karuizawa

Karuizawa itself is a good summer resort with crisp air and within an easy access from Tokyo. 

But I went there only for the sake of this museum. Stunning artworks and incredible architecture are combined and the place was simply enchanting.

The linked videos show you who Senju is and how his museum designed by genius NISIZAWA Ryue looks.

And here's the entrance to his art museum in Naka-karuizawa, Nagano.

Zenko-ji will be one of your destinations on Nagano

Of course, this temple should be one of your destinations in Nagano; easy access from Nagano station where Shinkansen super express stops. The premises are very embracing and welcoming. The temple started that way any way. That's the tradition of this temple. 

Ukiyoe woodblock prints by HOKUSAI in Obuse, Nagano

A visit to Hokusai-kan makes another good day tour when you are staying at a ski resort near it in addition to seeing snow monkeys. It will be good for a change from skiing. A few hundred years ago, Ukiyoe master Hokusai came to Obuse around four times and he left his pieces of both prints and paintings to wealthy families in the village. The town and people of Obuse were wise enough to recognize what they had and built a Hokusai museum. The collection of the museum is quite impressive and the museum building is well done too.

Obuse is also known as their good chestnuts and the sweets with these chestnuts. The town also started the open garden stroll about three decades ago. The town is  the pioneer of this system. They also introduced passing through the gardens and stores. This way, interesting walkways were made in spite of the limited area of the town. Kids are also allowed to do the same and they pass through these places to come back home from school. Some people wanted to see these kids to be convinced that they really were passing. 

Nagano is now another popular destination for tourists.

And of course snow monkeys

Both bunnies and monkeys attract people. This year particularly is the year of the monkey. Many people wanted the pics of the bathing monkeys for their new year's card. Certainly the photos made the good new yest's cards. Happiness for everybody in this year of the monkey!

Bathing in onsen

A cell phone accidentally taken by a monkey.