Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Nagano is the capital city of Nagano Prefecture located in the central region of Honshu, Japan, known for its stunning natural beauty and as a hub for winter sports. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 370,000 people live in Nagano. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 100 Mbps, with various providers available. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is the Japanese Yen (JPY). 1 USD ≈ 110 JPY. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and known for its high quality. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage is 100V, 50Hz, and the plug type is A. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular mobile providers include SoftBank, NTT DoCoMo, and au. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major banks include Shinsei Bank and Mitsubishi UFJ; services widely accept credit cards. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, guesthouses, and traditional ryokan inns. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, a good number of places accept credit cards and cashless payments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses offer various short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Affordable options include Nagano Guesthouse and Hoshi no Naka. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Zenko-ji Temple area is recommended for its cultural significance. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Areas near the Nagano Station offer convenience for transportation and amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Focus on Nagano is a popular coworking space in the city center. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Komorebi is known for its quiet atmosphere and reliable internet. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local Meetups for expats often take place at community centers and cafes. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Nagano Facebook Group organizes regular gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | JapanTaxi is a reliable app for ride-hailing in Nagano. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Nagano City offers bike rental services through local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The closest beach is around 2 hours away at Matsumoto Lake. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | All Nippon Airways (ANA) operates regional flights from Nagano. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Major international carriers include Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the Chuo Expressway and Nagano Expressway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Nagano Station is the main train hub in the city. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Nagano City offers single ride tickets and day passes for buses. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Train services to nearby cities like Matsumoto and Suwa are frequent. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Nagano Prefectural Hospital is the largest healthcare facility in the area. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yogacara provides classes and wellness retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness clubs like Anytime Fitness are accessible in the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Coin laundries are available throughout Nagano. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and Demae-can are popular food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Nagano is famous for its Soba (buckwheat noodles). |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe de Jours offers a range of vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Try the delicious fruit parfaits at Tsuji Tea House. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like the Nagano Morning Market offer fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Rakuten and Amazon Japan cater to online shopping needs. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Services like Amazon and local grocery stores offer delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The area around Nagano Station has several bars and izakayas. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Nagano Beer is a notable local brewery worth visiting. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Try Wine Bar Nagano for a selection of local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near Zenko-ji Temple offer various local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Various izakayas offer international dishes; for pizza, check Pizzeria da Marcello. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Zenko-ji Temple is a must-visit landmark, with rich history. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Nagano Prefectural Art Museum showcases local artists. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Matsushiro Castle ruins offer insight into the area's past. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Zenko-ji Temple is also considered a significant religious site in the region. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Nagano Joyama Park Cherry Blossom Festival in early April is popular. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Machinaka area is known for its traditional architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Nagano Performing Arts Center hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Nagano Morning Market is a great place to experience local culture. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Check out live music at venues like Club JUNKBOX. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art can be found in various districts, enhancing the urban landscape. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Take a soba-making class at the Soba Academy. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local galleries like Gallery Do provide insights into contemporary art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Explore traditional houses in the Matsushiro district. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Nagano is known for its rich cultural heritage, celebrated in various festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Joshin'etsu National Park is nearby, offering hiking trails and natural beauty. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Joshin'etsu National Park is accessible for outdoor enthusiasts. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Chuo Alps area has scenic walking and cycling routes. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Try the viewing platform at the Zenko-ji Temple for fantastic city views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Public parks and nature reserves around Nagano are ideal for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Numerous parks allow bonfires, check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services like Yamato Transport can handle parcel deliveries. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Nagano Station offer tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers and sports clubs may offer table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools in the area provide Japanese language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Nagano City Library is a great place for study and research. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Nagano Community Center hosts various workshops and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming cafes offer a space for gamers to connect. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in Nagano, as Japan prohibits them nationwide. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥300,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = ¥9,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥200,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = ¥6,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥280,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥16,800,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥190,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥11,400,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥260,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥20,800,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥180,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥14,400,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 23.2% for corporations in Japan. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% is applicable for dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Japan employs a progressive tax system based on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 45%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 10%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Japan has strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | An annual property tax is based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 6% standard rate on property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Japan has tax treaties that can benefit some foreigners; consult a tax advisor for specifics. |