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-ultr
