Aussie travel agents have explored Nagano’s culinary offering on a trade famil designed to showcase the Japanese prefecture beyond its established winter tourism appeal.
Samantha Stewart from Wendy Wu Tours was part of the international group of advisors that went on the journey through the destination located around 250 kilometres north west of Tokyo.
Accompanied by Helen Wong, the Nagano Tourism Organization Australian representative, the trade group was given the chance to not only dine out but to chance their hand on creating traditional dishes.
A highlight was a Shogun Dinner inspired by feudal lords who travelled the historic Nakasendo Trail centuries ago.
“We experienced a collection of culinary products that complemented the region’s established attractions, including the lengthy Nakasendo Trail, Zenkoji Temple, the Central Alps and the region’s renowned outdoor experiences,” said Ms Wong.
Agents also took part in a hands on soba making workshop, learning traditional techniques for mixing buckwheat flour, kneading dough, rolling and cutting noodles.
The famil began in the Kiso Valley with a traditional chestnut rice dish before continuing to Onyado Tsutaya for the multi course Shogun Dinner.
Other stops included Yukawa Sake Brewery, Meijitei in Komagane for sauce katsu don and Hotel Linx Komagane, where locally produced apple fed pork featured on the menu.
Host of the 1998 Winter Olympics, Nagano is well known among Australian travellers for its ski offering, but tourism authorities are increasingly highlighting food and cultural experiences to encourage year round visitation.
According to figures cited from the Japan Tourism Agency, Australians recorded more than 128,000 overnight stays in Nagano during the first four months of 2026, placing Australia second behind Taiwan.
“For Australian travellers looking to venture beyond Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, Nagano offers something refreshingly different,” Ms Wong said.
