Winner’s Announcement

Mrs. Jane Peck     NSW

Thanks to the rapid and seemingly unstoppable growth in popularity of areas such as Hakuba and Shiga Kogen, Nagano is quickly becoming Japan’s snow sport capital. Those who set out to visit Nagano during the winter will find that not only is Nagano home to quality snow and exciting ski resorts, but that it is also a place where you can deeply immerse yourself in history and culture.

Nagano is a must visit destination for any Japan fan, and so we invite the G’Day Japan! readers to enter this giveaway, to be in the running to win return flights to Japan and accommodation in Nagano City for two! And as a bonus prize we are giving away accommodation vouchers, so you’ll want to enter even if you’ve already booked your Japanese holiday for next year. But that’s not all! We also have double passes of the Shinano Railway Banzai 2-Day Pass to giveaway to TWELVE lucky winners. That’s right, a total of 15 people have the chance to win!

It’s easy to enter! Just answer the survey questions below and click enter. Be sure to share with friends to increase your chance. Entries close at noon on the 25th of January,2019.

PRIZES
ABOUT NAGANO CITY
COMMENTS FROM A PAST WINNER
HOW TO ENTER

Win & Expolre Nagano’s Nature & Culture PRIZE DETAILS

GRAND PRIZE

The winner will receive return flights to Japan and accommodation at Nagano City for TWO

SYDNEY/MELBOURNE-TOKYO
RETURN FLIGHTS FOR TWO

ONE lucky winner will receive TWO return tickets to Tokyo from Sydney/Melbourne, valid for travel between 1 February to 30 November 2019. The flights are subject to the following terms and conditions:

Prize ticket conditions
  • All seating is subject to availability at time of booking
  • No flights are unavailable in the black out period of mid-March to mid-April 2019
  • Additional payment may be required should seating allotment by airline not be available on prize winner’s specified date
  • Amendments or cancellations are not possible once a booking has been finalised
  • Domestic transportation expenses not included
  • Please note the carrier of your flights is subject to change.

Experience Japan

At Experience Japan, we are able to provide you with the firsthand knowledge of what to see and do. Let us share our passion for this great destination with you!
For more information: http://www.experiencejapan.com.au

FOUR NIGHTS’ HOTEL ACCOMMODATION IN NAGANO CITY

HOTEL METROPOLITAN NAGANO

TWO NIGHTS INCLUDING BREAKFAST

Hotel Metropolitan Nagano is the perfect accommodation for every traveller visiting Nagano. The hotel is connected to JR Nagano Station so you can directly reach the hotel right off the train.
The hotel is located at the centre of Nagano City, so guests are surrounded by a lot of delicious, authentic Japanese restaurants. Guests can also dine-in at the hotel, their restaurants provide plenty of options for delicious foods and locally crafted sake.The hotel offers 235 guest rooms which are modern, elegant and well-designed. The hospitality is excellent and they’ll assist you with every need.

Reservations are available between 1 Feb and 30 Nov 2019. Availability is subject to change due to capacity limits.

Further information:
https://www.hotelmetropolitan-nagano.jp/en-gb
https://www.gdayjapan.com.au/interests/accommodations/hotel-metropolitan-nagano/

CHISUN GRAND NAGANO

TWO NIGHTS

Chisun Grand Nagano is a modern hotel that is located just a short stroll away from Nagano station.
Chisun Grand Nagano strives to provide ultimate comfort for its guests not only through their service but with thoughtful design and amenities.
Their breakfast buffet is particularly popular with guests. The Japanese style breakfast is all freshly made with local produces from Nagano.
From single rooms that are 20 square metres big, to the three kinds of pillows (Level 9-11 rooms only) available to choose from as well as the free coffee in the lobby, a stay at Chisun Grand Nagano is full of great surprises.
The winner also has the option to add a ticket to the breakfast buffet at an extra ¥1,300 (per meal).

Reservations are available between 1 Feb and 30 Nov 2019 (excluding 2-4 Feb,23 Mar, 20 Apr,
3-4 May, 24 June, 4 July, 10-11,23-24 Aug, and 25-26,31 Oct) Availability is subject to change due to capacity limits.

Further information:
https://www.solarehotels.com/en/hotel/koshinetsu/chisungrand-nagano

RUNNER-UP PRIZE

TWO lucky runner-up winners will receive vouchers to accommodation in Nagano City.

HOTEL KOKUSAI 21

TWO NIGHTS INCLUDING BREAKFAST

The guest experience at Hotel Kokusai 21 features fine Japanese, French, Chinese, Italian dining, a relaxing stone spa, and an esthetic salon. Located within walking distance of Zenko-ji Temple, the hotel is a five-minute taxi ride north of JR Nagano Station, and prides itself on superb hospitality.
With newly refurbished guest rooms throughout its main tower, Hotel Kokusai 21 makes a luxurious base from which to explore the temple and other attractions around Nagano City.

Reservations are available between 1 Feb and 30 Nov 2019 (excluding 19,20 Apr, 3-5 May, 12-16 Aug, 23 Nov). Availability is subject to change due to capacity limits.

Further information:
http://www.kokusai21.jp/lang/en/restaurants-bars
http://www.kokusai21.jp/lang/en/

HOTEL JAL CITY NAGANO

TWO NIGHTS INCLUDING BREAKFAST
Hotel JAL City Nagano is located along the boulevard to Zenko-ji Temple, and enjoys sweeping views across the Zenko-ji Plain to the Northern Japanese Alps from its Sky Banquet Hakuba top-floor restaurant.
Zenko-ji Temple is just a 15-minute stroll away, and with Nagano City’s major shopping and dining districts also close by, this hotel is one of the most convenient in the area.

Breakfast at Sky Banquet Hakuba is a popular choice for delicious ‘Shinshu Katte-meshi’, rice bowl dishes featuring local vegetables and miso.

Reservations are available between 1 Feb and 30 Nov 2019 (excluding 20,27-28 Apr, 3-5 May, 13 July, 3, 10-17 Aug,23 Nov). Availability is subject to change due to capacity limits.

Further information:
https://www.okura-nikko.com/japan/nagano/hotel-jal-city-nagano/

SPECIAL PRIZE

12 lucky Special prize winners will receive TWO Shinano Railway Banzai 2-day Passes each.
Shinano Railway operates between Karuizawa in Nagano and Myoko Kogen in Niigata. They are known for their gorgeous retro design trains that travel through a nature-rich scenic route. Each stop on this route offers something unique to its visitors; ranging from hiking spots, ski and snowboard areas, shrines, local food and sake hot spots to seasonal festivals and events.
The Shinano Railway Banzai 2-day Pass is basically an invitation for foreign visitors to explore the surrounding areas of all thirty stops on the line. For two whole days, pass holders get unlimited access on the Shinano Railway line PLUS have access to discounts at selected locations. The pass will be on sale from the 1st of December 2018 and will be available for purchase throughout the year!
http://banzai-pass.com/
https://www.shinanorailway.co.jp/english/

ABOUT NAGANO CITY

Nagano City receives many visitors from all around the world throughout the year. Its main drawcard is the snow, and most that have visited Nagano will have come during the winter for it. Nagano is a heavy snowfall area, home to hot spots such as Hakuba; the quality of powder is exquisite and there’s plenty of variety in terrains across the area, making Nagano a favourite destination for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels.
But the snow is not all that Nagano has to offer. Throughout the whole year, there are tons of outdoor activities to be enjoyed such as hiking and camping. Plenty of traditional, authentic Japanese cultural experiences can be found in Nagano too. From visiting 1,400 year old temple, Zenko-ji to eating authentic local cuisines at Nagano’s many traditional Japanese eateries, as well as exploring and indulging in the many natural hot springs found in areas like Nozawa Onsen.
Once you arrive in Nagano, you will find that there’s so much more to Nagano than whatever initially drew you in.

Nagano Convention and Visitors Bureau
http://en.nagano-cvb.or.jp/

Must-See’s in Nagano City

Zenko-ji Temple

The Zenko-ji Temple is a historically significant temple in Nagano, in fact Nagano originally was built around this temple many centuries ago. This temple stores the first Buddha statue that was brought into Japan, though the original has been hidden away for safe keeping. Every February the surrounding area hosts the Tomyo Festival of beautifully lit lanterns, art, food and sake where you can celebrate the local history and culture. In 2018, Nagano has been selected as one of the host cities of Japan Design Week. The Zenko-ji Temple and its grounds will be lit up with illumination from late November until December.

Togakushi

You will find a great mix of activities in the Togakushi area. Try snow shoeing or cross-country skiing on the frozen Kagami-ike pond (Mirror pond) in winter or see the surrounding scenery reflected onto the surface of the pond during the warmer seasons. You can also fill your belly with the Togakushi soba buckwheat noodles or get a fill of local culture at Togakushi Shrine. This shrine is a three part shrine within the mountains northwest of Nagano city and is associated with the Sun Goddess of Japanese mythology. We also can’t go without mentioning the Togakushi ninja school, where visitors can learn the ways of the ninja. The Togakushi Ski area accommodates skiers of all abilities, and with 20 course there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy!

Matsuhiro Area

The area of Matsuhiro will certainly satisfy your thirst for some local history and culture. This area is just half an hour from the busy Nagano Station, yet here you’ll find heritage buildings and gardens that was once occupied by samurais. Explore the Matsuhiro Castle on foot to gain understanding of the local history or try out swordplay or archery at the Bunbu Literary and Military School to immerse yourself in feudal Japan.

Eating & Drinking in Nagano

Gourmet in Nagano City certainly doesn’t disappoint. There’s of course the delicious locally made soba noodles in Togakushi but there’s plenty beyond that too. Food vendors line the streets leading up to Zenko-ji; be sure to check out Nakamise Shopping Street where you can try out the local sweet and savoury snack, Oyaki. Out in the snow there are plenty of traditional Japanese eateries and in the city area of Nagano is bustling day and night with small and large restaurants and bars with plenty of variety in cuisine and atmosphere to choose from.

Local Highlights around Nagano City

POPULAR SKI RESORTS

Powder paradise with 11 resorts of the Hakuba Valley 70 mins away, plus, Nozawa Onsen – the deep powder resort and charming hot spring village – is 75 mins away from Nagano Station by bus.

JIGOGUDANI MONKEY PARK

The antics of the resident Japanese macaques playing in the hot spring baths here are irresistible.

MATSUMOTO CASTLE

A monument to Azuchi-Momoyama period(1574-1600) castle design, and National Treasure of Japan.

CHIKUMA CITY

Home to the traditional onsen town of Togura Kamiyamada, Chikuma was a major stop along the ancient Zenko-ji pilgrimage and retains ease of access from Nagano, owing to its close proximity and great public transport.

UEDA CITY

A city with a rich history along the Chikuma River, Ueda has been integral to the Shinshu region’s culture since ancient times, with Ueda Castle among the many draw cards of the city.

KARUIZAWA TOWN

This beautiful summer resort town offers grand mountain views and serene nature surrounding cafes, fashionable shops, art galleries, museums, golf courses and hot springs.
Further information about Nagano City

COMMENTS FROM A PAST WINNER

Hannah won last year’s giveaway and visited Nagano City, here is what she had to say about her trip.

“I loved going to Nagano – it was such a surprising city.
I know many people go during the ski season, but going in Spring was just beautiful.

Nagano city was a great size – perfect for walking around, friendly people and delicious food.
The temple complex was larger than I expect and really beautiful, it was nowhere near as busy as temples in larger cities.
I was in awe of the giant wooden statues guarding the temple. They were incredible.

Every evening we walked along the river in Nagano, watching the water bubble away and seeing the birds nest in the cliffs.
Ending the day at the river-side Uruoikan onsen was perfect.

We did a fantastic day trip to the Togakushi Shrine and walked around the old cedar trees.
There was still snow on the ground as we walked up the mountain and across to the lake.
It was stunning country side, and the delicious soba we ate there was out of this world!
It was incredibly beautiful and peaceful as well. Getting up to the mountain was easy on the local bus service as well.

I really enjoyed our trip to Nagano – it was such a pleasant surprise as we had no expectations on what it would be like.
It was a charming, medium sized city which are the best for exploring on foot or bike. It was such a great trip – thanks G’Day Japan!.”

COMPLETE THE SURVEY BELOW TO ENTER!

TERMS & CONDITIONS

G’Day Japan! – “WIN & EXPLORE NAGANO’S NATURE & CULTURE” Prize Draw Terms and Conditions

1. Entry to the “WIN & EXPLORE NAGANO’S NATURE & CULTURE” prize draw (the “Promotion”) is limited to residents of Australia aged 18 years or over, and anyone professionally connected with it is excluded from entering.

2. The Promotion is run by JAMS.TV PTY LTD, Suite 3704, Level 37, 1 Macquarie Place, Sydney NSW 2000, phone (02) 9252 6307 (the “Promoter”). All enquiries regarding the Promotion should be emailed to info@gdayjapan.com.au.

3. The Promotion begins at 12:00 (AEST) on October 26, 2018, and ends at 12:00(AEST) noon on January 25, 2019, and entrants must complete and submit the survey form available on the G’Day Japan website at https://www.gdayjapan.com.au/ by then to be eligible for the prize draw.

4. Submission of an entry constitutes an acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.

5. Only one entry per person is permitted.

6. No responsibility is accepted for late, lost, or misdirected entries. All entries become the property of the Promoter.

7. Incomplete, indecipherable or illegible entry forms will be deemed invalid.

8. The Promoter reserves the right, at any time, to verify the validity of entries and entrants and to disqualify any entrant who submits an entry that is not in accordance with these Terms and Conditions.

9. The winners will be drawn at random by the close of business on January 31, 2019 at Suite 3704, Level 37, 1 Macquarie Place, Sydney NSW 2000.

10. Total value of the prize pool is $4,960.00. This includes the Grand Prize of return airfares from Sydney or Melbourne to Tokyo, and 4 nights accommodation and 2 Shinano Railway Banzai Pass for two people to be won by a total of ONE winner, the Runner Up Prize of 2 nights accommodation and 2 Shinano Railway Banzai Pass to be won by TWO winners as well as the 24 Shinano Railway Banzai Pass to be won as a Special Prize by a total of 12 winners.

11. Winners may claim their prizes through the following methods: i) Requesting delivery by mail to a preferred postal address in Australia, or ii) Claiming in person from Suite 3704, Level 37, Gateway, 1 Macquarie Place, Sydney NSW 2000.

12. Entrants are eligible to win a maximum of one prize from the total prize pool.

13. Prize winners do not have to be present at the time or place of the prize draw.

14. The Promoter will take reasonable endeavours to announce winners by publishing their names and state on the G’Day Japan website within 3 months of them being drawn. The Promoter does not accept responsibility for the inability to make contact with a prize winner within a reasonable time after the end of the Promotion, in which case another winner will be selected and notified as set forth in these Terms and Conditions.

15. The Promoter’s decision as to the winners of the prizes will be final and binding and no correspondence will be entered into in relation to the conduct of the Promotion or otherwise.

16. The Prizes are not transferable, refundable or exchangeable and cannot be taken as cash.

17. If a prize is unavailable, the Promoter, in its absolute discretion, reserves the right to substitute the prize with a prize to the equal value and/or specification.

18. The Promoter will not be held responsible for the loss, theft or damage to any prize after it has been awarded.

19. The Promoter reserves the right at any time to verify the eligibility and identity of any participant and to disqualify any participant who does not comply strictly with these Terms and Conditions.

20. Except for any liability that cannot be excluded by law, the Promoter (including its officers, employees and agents) excludes all liability (including negligence), for any personal injury; or any loss or damage (including loss of opportunity); whether direct, indirect, special or consequential, arising in any way out of the Promotion, including but not limited to, where arising out of the following:

(a) any technical difficulties or equipment malfunction (whether or not under the Promoter’s control);

(b) any theft, unauthorised access or third party interference;

(c) any entry or prize claim that is late, lost, altered, damaged or misdirected (whether or not after their receipt by the Promoter) due to any reason beyond the reasonable control of the Promoter;

(d) any variation in prize value to that stated in these Terms and Conditions;

(e) any tax liability incurred by a winner or entrant; or

(f) use of the prize.

21. Each participant indemnifies and keeps indemnified the Promoter against all claims, losses, damages and expenses suffered by the Promoter or any third parties arising out of the breach of these Terms and Conditions by the participant, the conduct of the participant in the Promotion or the use of a prize.

22. If this Promotion is interfered with in any way or is not capable of being conducted as reasonably anticipated due to any reason beyond reasonable control of the Promoter, the Promoter reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to the fullest extent permitted by the law to

(a) disqualify any entrant; or

(b) subject to any written directions from a regulatory authority, to modify, suspend, terminate or cancel the Promotion, as appropriate.

23. Under the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (NSW), the Promoter must tell participants when it collects personal information about them and how it plans to use it. If a participant chooses to enter or take part in the Promotion, the participant will be required to provide the Promoter with personal information including but not limited to the participant’s name, phone number and email. The Promoter collects participants’ personal information in order to conduct the Promotion.

24. A request to access, update or correct any information should be directed to the Promoter through info@gdayjapan.com.au. If the participant would prefer that the Promoter does not use the participant’s details in the way outlined in these Terms and Conditions the participant should contact the Promoter.

25. Entrants may receive email communication to the email address used to register from the Promoter. This may include promotional emails from the Promoter and any other communication will only come from the Promoter.

NSW Permit Number LTPS/18/28983

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