Having evolved as a temple town around Zenkoji Temple from the 12th–13th century, the city of Nagano is cloaked with an enchanting old-world appeal. In the forested mountains northwest of the city centre lies the Togakushi Shrine Precinct, a vast precinct surrounded by exuberant nature at the foot of Mount Togakushi, attracting devoted pilgrims and curious tourists. More must-visit venues include the Togakure Ninja School, the Togakushi Ninja Museum and the Ninpo Museum to learn about the history of ninjas in Japan. It is at the Jigokudani Yaenkoen Monkey Park, just above Nagano, where the wild snow macaques (monkeys) of the Japanese Alps soak in the steamy waters of natural hot springs during the cold winter season.