Chisun Grand Nagano

Chisun Grand Nagano is a budget-friendly city hotel in the Minami-Chitose area of Nagano, a short distance from the main station. The Chisun brand is a well-known Japanese chain offering clean, simple rooms at lower prices than the mid-range city hotels, and the Grand name suggests slightly larger rooms and more facilities than the smallest business hotels. It is a sensible choice for travellers who plan to spend their days at the temples, the snow monkey park and the mountain towns, and who simply need a comfortable night. Solo travellers, couples and groups of friends will find the rates attractive, particularly compared with the hotels beside the station, and families can often find larger rooms.

Budget travel in Japan is easier than many visitors expect, and Nagano is a good example. A chain hotel like this one gives you a private room, a private bathroom and a good bed for a price that leaves room in the budget for good meals, entry fees and train tickets. The trade-off is that rooms are efficient rather than spacious, there is little in the way of luxury and the surroundings are those of a working city rather than a resort. For many visitors, that is exactly right.

The Minami-Chitose district sits close to the centre of Nagano and is useful for getting around. From here, the station is within a short walk or a quick bus or taxi ride, and the street leading to Zenko-ji temple is nearby. Convenience stores, ramen counters, casual restaurants and bakeries are scattered through the neighbourhood, which means you can find breakfast and a late dinner without a long search. Check the map when you book to see how far you will be walking, particularly if you arrive with heavy luggage.

Day trips from Nagano are the main reason to visit, and the city is well placed for them. The snow monkeys at Jigokudani are reached by train to Yudanaka and a bus or walk to the monkey park, Obuse is a short ride for chestnut sweets and art museums, and Togakushi has shrines, soba and forest walks.

Hakuba and Nozawa Onsen are major ski destinations in winter, and the city is a convenient place to stay if you want to compare several of them. Allow extra time in winter, when snow can slow roads and trains.

This hotel suits travellers who want to save money and who spend little time in their room. It is less suited to guests who want a hot spring, a mountain view or an elegant atmosphere. Check when you book what is included, such as breakfast, Wi-Fi and any public bath, as facilities differ between hotels of the same brand. Confirm check-in times if you arrive early, ask about luggage storage and read the cancellation terms before you confirm.