Nagano

The Shirakawa Ice Pillars in Kiso, Nagano Prefecture, have reached their seasonal peak, delighting tourists with their natural beauty. These icicles form when underground water seeps out during winter and freezes gradually, creating a curtain-like drape along the cliff up to 50 meters high and 250 meters wide. The display can be viewed until mid- to late February, weather permitting.

1 Mwezi wa pili, 2026 Imeripotiwa na AI

In Nagano Prefecture's Hakuba village, a post-COVID tourism boom drew 2.9 million visitors in 2025, revitalizing the economy. Yet rising costs, crowds, and cultural clashes have sparked resident unease. Local officials are introducing measures to manage the influx without overwhelming the community.