Saku: A City with A Plethora of Attractions
A little over an hour from Tokyo is the city of Saku, Japan. It is located in the east-central part of Nagano Prefecture. During the Edo period, it became a castle town of Tatsuoka Domain. It has many historical sites as well as hidden gems waiting to be explored when you go for a short excursion or a longer stay.
Best Time to Visit
Saku’s climate is characterized by hot and humid summers and moderately mild winters making it ideal place to visit from early June to end of September. The city bursts with tourist activities during January, March and April when most Saku, JP hotels are booked and rates are more expensive. One good reason to visit in August is the Sakaki Matsuri, an interesting and quirky tradition from 500 years that summons for a rich harvest and a healthy year.
What to Do & Area Attractions
Fugen-ji Temple is a temple located in nearby Notsu town and a beautiful place to visit. You also shouldn’t miss the Saku Museum of Modern and its collection of Japanese modern art. Another top attraction in the neighboring Tateshina is the world-class Shirakaba 2in1 Ski Area. You can choose to spend your nights at Saku Grand Hotel, a laid-back hotel with a down-to-earth restaurant that serves Japanese and French cuisine. Or at the Sakudaira Plaza 21 which is housed in a modern tower. Another good option is the Saku Ichimanri Onsen Hotel Golden Century, a popular 3-star hotel with well-appointed facilities. Other options include the Hotel Route-Inn Court Saku.