The M-Waveis where the speed skating races will be held. Chris, There are mountains surrounding Nagano on all sides. I look forward to receiving and answering more of your questions very soon. When you walk down the street looking for a place to eat you can find a place to get a pizza, or you can go to McDonald's orKentucky Fried Chicken. Last time I described some foods which are special to Japan.
Rice is very common throughout Japan, China, and the other countries of southern Asia.
A local specialty is mashed rice, which is prepared in a special ceremony where two people stand on either side of a vat of cooked rice. I took a turn myself. It is the custom in many countries in this part of the world to take off your shoes when you enter someone's home - even your own. People generally have slippers available for family members and guests. Many homes do not have carpet.