
White Ring Arena
A grand arena with a rich Olympic past, now hosting thrilling basketball games and local events in Nagano.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the electric atmosphere

White Ring Arena
Best Time
Experience the electric atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A grand arena with a rich Olympic past, now hosting thrilling basketball games and local events in Nagano.
"Impressive venue with an electric atmosphere, though connectivity can be a challenge."
🚗 Parking Tips
Arena parking fills fast for games; consider the Mashima lot. :car:
📶 Signal Issues
Expect poor mobile signal; plan for offline activities or cash payments. :iphone:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Olympic Legacy Arena
Nagano City
A grand venue that hosted figure skating and ice hockey during the 1998 Nagano Olympics.
Shinshu Brave Warriors Games
Inside the arena
Experience the electrifying atmosphere of a professional basketball game.
Local Food Stalls
Outside and inside the arena
Savor delicious local treats like oyaki and explore various food trucks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting to the White Ring
Connectivity & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Tips
Arena parking fills fast for games; consider the Mashima lot.
:car:📶 Signal Issues
Expect poor mobile signal; plan for offline activities or cash payments.
:iphone:🏀 Game Day Buzz
Free buses from Nagano Station for games, but expect queues on return.
:bus:⛸️ Olympic History
Explore the venue's legacy from the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics.
:trophy:Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Tips
Arena parking fills fast for games; consider the Mashima lot.
:car:📶 Signal Issues
Expect poor mobile signal; plan for offline activities or cash payments.
:iphone:🏀 Game Day Buzz
Free buses from Nagano Station for games, but expect queues on return.
:bus:⛸️ Olympic History
Explore the venue's legacy from the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics.
:trophy:🍜 Local Delights
Try the delicious oyaki sold by vendors inside and outside the arena.
:ramen:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the White Ring Arena for its impressive Olympic legacy and the exciting atmosphere during Shinshu Brave Warriors games. The venue is generally comfortable, with good air conditioning. However, a recurring complaint is the poor mobile signal and internet connectivity, which can disrupt digital payments and communication. Some also note the limited restroom facilities on the first floor and the basic nature of some seating.
"I often go there to watch Shinshu Brave Warriors games, and even though they sell a lot of delicious food, the signal is so bad I can't use PayPay!! ️‼️
It's really frustrating. No matter how many times I try or restart the computer, the internet connection gets poor after a while. It's a pain every time there's a game.
I hope they improve the internet connection before cleaning up the stands!"
ko ko
"I went to the Shinshu Brave Warriors game.
It was a beautiful venue for the Nagano Olympics figure and ice hockey games even though it was built over 20 years ago."
重田恒繁
"I went there to watch the B League's Shinshu Brave Warriors' home opening game, against the Ibaraki Robots.
To get there by public transport, there is a free bus from Nagano Station with plenty of service, but I did have to wait a bit on the way back.
The arena is impressive as it was a former Olympic venue, and I sat in the first floor seats, but the seats on the second floor and above had a good angle and looked good.
It does not seem to meet the new B1 standards, but Nagano Mayor Kenji Ogiwara, who came to greet us, assured us that they would be renovated, so that doesn't seem to be a problem.
The arena and game presentation were spectacular, as you'd expect from a B1 team."
しらす
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
For Shinshu Brave Warriors games, free buses are available from Nagano Station, though they can be crowded on return. For other times, public transport options are limited, and a taxi might be more convenient.
Yes, there is parking, but it fills up quickly for events. The WR temporary parking lot can be full an hour before games, so you might need to use the Mashima temporary parking lot across the bypass. Parking can cost around 1,000 yen with advance ticket purchase.
Public transport options outside of game days are not well-documented on the official website or Google Maps. It's advisable to check local bus schedules or consider alternative transportation like a taxi.
If you're not attending a game with the dedicated free bus service, it's recommended to research local bus routes in advance or opt for a taxi for a more direct journey.
During Shinshu Brave Warriors games, free shuttle buses operate from Nagano Station. Information on other shuttle services is not readily available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It's highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially for popular games, as parking can be linked to advance ticket purchase and lots fill up quickly.
Opening hours can vary depending on events. For game days, gates typically open about an hour before the match. It's best to check the specific event schedule for accurate timings.
Information on specific discounts is not widely available, but advance ticket purchases may sometimes be associated with benefits like parking.
Food trucks are available outside, and some vendors sell food inside. It's advisable to check the arena's specific policy on outside food and beverages for events.
As a former Olympic venue, it is likely to have some accessibility features, but specific details regarding ramps, elevators, and accessible seating should be confirmed with the venue directly for any planned event.
🎫 🏟️ Onsite Experience
The arena has seating on multiple levels. First-floor seats may have pipe chairs, while second-floor seats are generally considered to have good angles.
Yes, restrooms are available. However, the first floor, originally designed for skating, may have a limited number of smaller restrooms.
The atmosphere is described as electric and spectacular, with lively presentations befitting a B1 team.
Yes, the air conditioning is reported to be effective, making for a comfortable viewing experience even on hot summer days.
The arena hosts sporting events, notably Shinshu Brave Warriors basketball games, and has a history of hosting figure skating and ice hockey competitions from the Nagano Olympics.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are food trucks outside the arena and vendors inside selling items like oyaki. Delicious food is generally available during events.
Unfortunately, mobile payment methods like PayPay can be unreliable due to poor signal strength inside the arena, so it's best to have cash on hand.
Yes, you can find local specialties like oyaki, a Nagano delicacy, sold by vendors inside the arena.
During game days, kitchen cars are often lined up outside, offering a lively selection of food options.
Reviews suggest the food sold is delicious, with oyaki being specifically mentioned as quite tasty.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary by event. For sporting events, personal photography is usually permitted, but professional equipment or flash photography might be restricted. Check event-specific rules.
The arena itself, with its Olympic legacy architecture, offers good photo opportunities. During games, capturing the action and the crowd's energy can make for dynamic shots.
Yes, the exterior of the arena is generally accessible for photography, showcasing its impressive structure.
Drone usage is typically restricted in and around public venues and sports arenas due to safety and privacy regulations. It's best to assume it's not permitted.
The arena is well-lit for events, which is beneficial for photography. However, the quality of lighting can vary depending on the specific event setup.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏀 Sports Enthusiasts
✈️ Day-Trippers from Nagano
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Olympic Legacy of the White Ring
While the arena has been adapted for modern use, particularly for basketball games featuring the Shinshu Brave Warriors, its core structure and historical significance remain. The venue's design, though perhaps not meeting the newest B1 league standards, is still considered impressive, and plans for renovations are underway to ensure its continued relevance. Experiencing the White Ring offers a unique blend of contemporary sports entertainment and a tangible connection to Japan's Olympic past.
Navigating Game Day at the Arena
On-site amenities include a variety of food options, from outside food trucks to inside vendors selling local specialties like oyaki. However, a significant point to note is the poor mobile signal and internet connectivity within the arena. This can make digital payments challenging, so carrying cash is highly recommended. Despite these minor inconveniences, the overall experience of watching a professional basketball game in this historic venue is highly regarded. The combination of exciting sports action and the arena's unique ambiance makes for a memorable outing.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit