Surrounded by the mountains of the Japanese Alps, Nagano Prefecture is a treasure trove of nature, exemplified by the beautiful Kamikochi region, which is called "the land where the gods descend.
In addition to famous peaks such as Yarigatake (Mt. Yarigatake) and Kirigamine (Mt. Kirigamine), which change their appearance from season to season, there are many hot springs nestled in the mountains, and famous hot springs such as Shirakone Onsen, Yudanaka Onsen, Shibu Onsen, and Nozawa Onsen are scattered throughout the prefecture.
In Nagano City, there is the Zenkoji Temple, which is said to be visited at least once in a lifetime, and Matsumoto Castle, a national treasure, is located in Matsumoto City.
Another characteristic of Nagano is its simple local cuisine, such as oyaki and soba noodles.
To enjoy sightseeing in Nagano Prefecture
Surrounded by the Japanese Alps, Nagano Prefecture has beautiful nature represented by Kamikochi, famous as "the land where the gods descend.
In addition to famous peaks such as Yarigatake (Mt. Yarigatake) and Kirigamine (Mt. Kirigamine), which show their seasonal faces, there are many hot spring resorts nestled in the mountains, including the famous Shirakone Onsen, Kamisuwa Onsen, Yudanaka Onsen, Shibu Onsen, and Nozawa Onsen. Monkeys can also be seen soaking in the hot springs at the Jigokudani Yaen-koen near Shibu Onsen!
In the Nagano and Matsumoto areas, there is Zenkoji Temple, which is said to be visited at least once in a lifetime, and Matsumoto Castle, a national treasure.
In the Kiso area, Senjyoshiki Karl has been attracting attention in recent years as a starry night sky viewing spot. In the Karuizawa-Komoro area in the eastern part of the prefecture, modern townscapes such as the old Karuizawa station building and the old Mikasa Hotel, which were built by wealthy people in the past as summer retreats, are spread out, and visitors can spend a relaxing time cycling in summer or walking through a wild bird forest.
The northern part of the prefecture is known for its severe cold and heavy snowfall, so winter sightseeing requires good protection against the cold.
History of Nagano Prefecture
Nagano Prefecture is the fourth largest prefecture in terms of area among all prefectures, and the northern, central, southern, and eastern areas of the prefecture have had slightly different histories.
The northern part, which was once the gate town of Zenkoji Temple, is strongly influenced by Niigata and Gunma regions, while the eastern part is strongly influenced by Tokyo and Saitama regions. The southern part of the city was once part of the Owari clan centering on Nagoya, and the culture of the Tokai region has taken root in the area.
Among these, the central part of the prefecture absorbed various cultures as a crossroads of the Nakasendo, Koshu Kaido, and Sengoku Kaido roads.
The present prefectural area was established in 1876 with the establishment of Nagano Prefecture. Nagano Prefecture, which has long lacked agricultural land, is said to have many hardworking and diligent people who are highly conscious of managing their own health, and is now known as the prefecture with the longest life expectancy in Japan.
Nagano Prefecture's Local Gourmet, Food Culture, and Specialties
The prefecture's soba (buckwheat noodles) production is flourishing, taking advantage of the temperature differences throughout the prefecture, and the buckwheat noodles can be found in many places in the prefecture. In particular, there are many excellent soba craftsmen in the Togakushi area, and there are many famous Togakushi soba restaurants to stop by when visiting Togakushi Shrine.
In addition, since long ago, the production of preserved foods such as pickles and sasazushi (bamboo grass sushi) has flourished, and oyaki with pickled nozawana, a specialty of the area, as a filling has become a standard local delicacy. Furthermore, because Nagano Prefecture does not face the sea, river fish such as ayu (sweetfish) and carp are also a specialty, and recently an increasing number of restaurants are offering dishes of Shinshu salmon, a unique and improved breed of salmon.
The area has long been known for its clean water and sake, and sake, locally brewed beer, and fruit wine and western-style sake are also available.
Other local delicacies sold in each municipality are also worth checking out in advance, such as Kurobe Dam Curry available in Omachi City, Ina's famous Ina Romen, Komagane's Sauce Katsu, Nagano's Yakimen, Suzaka's Misosukidon, Saku's Anyoji Ramen, Hakuba's Galette, and many more.
Matsumoto Castle is one of Japan’s most important surviving early-modern castles. Located in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, the castle is famous for its striking black-lacquered exterior and its five-story, six-level main keep, standing dramatically against the backdrop of the Northern Alps. Originally known as Fukashi Castle, it played an important role in the conflicts that shaped Shinano P...»
A spectacular natural landscape that leaves a lasting impression Kamikochi is a highland valley at an elevation of approximately 1,500 meters in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. Surrounded by the mountains of the Northern Alps, including the majestic Hotaka Mountain Range, it is one of Japan’s most celebrated mountain resort destinations. Kamikochi is part of Chubu-Sangaku National Park and ha...»
Zenkōji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Motozencho, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture. It is renowned for its long history, deep spiritual traditions, and distinctive architecture. The temple is said to have existed before Buddhism became divided into the various sects known today, and it remains an independent, non-sectarian Buddhist temple. The exact date of its foundation is uncer...»
A Sacred Place Where Japan’s Spiritual Heritage Can Be Experienced Suwa Taisha Upper Shrine – Main Shrine, located in the Suwa region of Nagano Prefecture, is known as the head shrine of approximately 25,000 Suwa Shrines throughout Japan. With a history and prestige dating back to ancient times, it is regarded as one of Japan’s oldest and most historically significant shrines. In ancient times, ...»
Countless streams of clear water cascade down the rock face like delicate threads of white silk Karuizawa Shiraito Falls is one of the most famous natural attractions in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture. The waterfall takes its name from the countless thin streams of water that resemble strands of white thread gently hanging from the rock face. From the parking area, visitors can follow a pleasant w...»
A Unique Wildlife Experience in the Snowy Mountains of Nagano Jigokudani Monkey Park is located in Yamanouchi Town, Shimotakai District, Nagano Prefecture. It is internationally known as one of the few places in the world where visitors can observe wild Japanese macaques bathing in natural hot springs at close range. The sight of Japanese macaques relaxing in a hot spring surrounded by deep wint...»
Narai-juku is a historic post town located in present-day Narai, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture. It developed along the Nakasendo, the ancient highway connecting Edo, present-day Tokyo, with Kyoto, and was the 34th of the 69 post towns along the route. As one of the eleven post towns of the Kisoji section of the Nakasendo, Narai-juku became particularly prosperous and was once known as "Narai S...»
Tsumago-juku is a beautifully preserved post town along the historic Nakasendo highway in Nagiso Town, Kiso District, Nagano Prefecture. It was the 42nd of the 69 post towns established along the Nakasendo, the important route that connected Edo, present-day Tokyo, with Kyoto during the Edo period. Located at the southern end of the Kiso Valley on the eastern bank of the clear Araragi River, Tsum...»
Lake Suwa is the largest lake in Nagano Prefecture, located almost in the center of the prefecture in the middle of the Suwa Basin. At an elevation of approximately 759 meters, the lake has a circumference of about 15.9 kilometers and an area of approximately 13.3 square kilometers. Surrounded on all sides by mountains, Lake Suwa offers a different landscape in every season. Its calm waters, moun...»
A Sacred Shrine at the Foot of Mount Togakushi Togakushi Shrine is one of Japan’s most revered spiritual sites, located in the northwestern part of Nagano City at the foot of sacred Mount Togakushi, which rises to an elevation of 1,904 meters. The shrine complex consists of five shrines: Okusha, Chusha, Hokosha, Kuzuryusha, and Hino-mikosha. For centuries, the area has been associated with mount...»
An Ancient Hot Spring Town with a Rich Variety of Natural Springs Shibu Onsen is a historic hot spring resort located in Yamanouchi Town, Shimotakai District, Nagano Prefecture. With a history of more than 1,300 years, it is one of the best-known hot spring destinations within the Yudanaka-Shibu Onsen area. The hot springs are traditionally said to have been discovered during the Nara period. To...»
A Suspension Bridge Surrounded by Clear Water and Mountain Scenery Kappabashi Bridge is a wooden suspension bridge spanning the Azusa River in Kamikochi, one of the most celebrated mountain landscapes in the Japanese Alps. With magnificent views of the Hotaka Mountain Range, Mount Yakedake, and the clear waters of the Azusa River, the bridge has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Kam...»
A Mountain Highland Surrounded by the Beauty of the Northern Alps Norikura Kogen is a highland area located in Azumi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, stretching from approximately 1,100 to 1,800 meters above sea level. It lies on the eastern foothills of Mount Norikura, one of the prominent peaks of the southern Northern Alps, which rises to 3,026 meters. Thanks to its high elevation, the are...»
A Scenic Landmark of Kamikochi Taishoike Pond is one of the most famous scenic attractions in Kamikochi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. The pond was created when the active volcano Mount Yakedake erupted in 1915, sending a debris flow into the Azusa River and blocking its course. The resulting lake became known as Taishoike, taking its name from the Taisho era in which it was formed. Located...»
A Mystical World Above the Clouds SORA terrace is a spectacular observation spot located at an elevation of approximately 1,770 meters in the summit area of Ryuoo Mountain Resort in the Kita-Shiga Highlands of Nagano Prefecture. Visitors reach the summit aboard a 166-passenger ropeway, said to be one of the largest of its kind in the world. As the ropeway climbs toward the summit, the landscape ...»
A Natural Hot Spring Surrounded by the Northern Alps Shirahone Onsen is a peaceful hot spring village located along the Yukawa River in Azumi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. Set at an elevation of approximately 1,400 meters on the foothills of Mount Norikura in the Northern Alps, the area is surrounded by pristine mountain scenery. Known as one of Japan's renowned secluded hot spring destina...»
The Hokusai Museum is a museum located in Obuse, Kamitakai District, Nagano Prefecture, dedicated primarily to the works of Katsushika Hokusai, one of Japan’s most internationally renowned ukiyo-e artists. The museum is also a member of the Japan Ukiyo-e Association and has earned recognition both in Japan and abroad as an important center for Hokusai research. Although it is situated in the quie...»
A World-Class Museum of Picture Books The Azumino Chihiro Art Museum is a unique museum in Matsukawa Village, Kitaazumi District, Nagano Prefecture, dedicated to the work of Chihiro Iwasaki, a beloved Japanese picture-book artist who spent her career depicting the many expressions and emotions of children, as well as the works of picture-book artists from around the world. It is one of the world...»
A Scenic Journey into the Sky The Ryuoo Ropeway connects the base and summit areas of Ryuoo Mountain Resort in Yamanouchi Town, Nagano Prefecture. Its large gondola can accommodate up to 166 passengers, making it one of the largest ropeway gondolas in the world. The approximately 10-minute ride takes visitors from the mountain base to the summit at an elevation of around 1,770 meters. Along the ...»
Shirakaba Lake is an artificial lake located on the border between Chino City and Tateshina Town in Nagano Prefecture. Set at an elevation of approximately 1,416 meters, the lake stretches across a beautiful highland landscape. It has a circumference of about 3.8 kilometers and covers approximately 36 hectares. The lake is part of the Yatsugatake-Chushin Kogen Quasi-National Park. The lakeside is...»
Myojin Pond is a serene and mysterious pond located in Kamikochi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. Nestled at the foot of the Hotaka Mountain Range, it lies quietly within a pristine natural environment. The pond is located within the sacred grounds of Hotaka Shrine's Oku-Miya (Inner Shrine) and has long been known as both "Kagami Pond," meaning Mirror Pond, and "Shin Pond," meaning Sacred Pond....»
Yudanaka Onsen is one of the most historic hot spring destinations in Shinshu, located in Yamanouchi Town, Shimotakai District, Nagano Prefecture. The hot spring is said to have originated more than 1,000 years ago, with traditions tracing its beginnings to around the 7th century. For centuries, its mineral-rich waters have provided relaxation and comfort for travelers and local residents alike. ...»
Suwa Taisha Kamisha, Maemiya is one of the four principal shrines that make up Suwa Taisha in the Suwa region of Nagano Prefecture. Suwa Taisha is regarded as the head shrine of approximately 25,000 Suwa Shrines throughout Japan. Among the four shrines, Maemiya is traditionally regarded as a particularly important place associated with the origins of Suwa worship. Suwa Taisha has an exceptionally...»
Suwa Taisha Shimosha Harumiya, located in Shimosuwa Town, Nagano Prefecture, is one of the four major shrines that make up Suwa Taisha, the head shrine of approximately 25,000 Suwa Shrines throughout Japan. The shrine has been revered for centuries as “Suwa-sama” and “Suwa Daimyojin” and is considered one of Japan’s oldest places of worship. Throughout its long history, Harumiya has served as an ...»
Suwa Taisha Shimosha Akimiya is one of the four main shrines that make up Suwa Taisha in Shimosuwa Town, Nagano Prefecture. Suwa Taisha is the head shrine of approximately 25,000 Suwa shrines throughout Japan. The shrine has been revered for centuries as “Osuwasama” and “Suwa Daimyojin” and is also recognized as the ichinomiya, or highest-ranking shrine, of the former Shinano Province. With tradi...»
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is one of Japan's most impressive mountain sightseeing routes, connecting Ogizawa Station in Omachi, Nagano Prefecture, with Tateyama Station in Toyama Prefecture on the Sea of Japan side. The route stretches approximately 37.2 kilometers across the Northern Alps and is renowned for its dramatic mountain scenery and remarkable variety of transportation. With a hug...»
Karuizawa Kogen Church stands quietly among the lush forests of Karuizawa, one of Japan's best-known mountain resort areas. The church is distinguished by its simple triangular wooden architecture, which creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Surrounded by trees that change their appearance with every season, the church blends beautifully into the natural landscape. Its peaceful setting makes i...»
Mount Ontake is a 3,067-meter-high active volcano in central Japan and is known as the country's second-highest independent peak after Mount Fuji. Surrounded by magnificent mountain scenery, the area attracts hikers, mountaineers, nature lovers, and winter sports enthusiasts throughout the year. Mount Ontake is also recognized as one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains, the New 100 Famous Mountains o...»
Azumino Chihiro Park is a spacious 53,500-square-meter park surrounded by peaceful rural landscapes, with magnificent views of the Northern Alps. Visitors can enjoy art, nature, and hands-on activities in an open setting that feels like a scene from a picture book. The park features several unique attractions, including the Totto-chan Square, inspired by Tetsuko Kuroyanagi's famous memoir Totto-c...»
Takashima Castle is a historic Japanese castle in Takashima, Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture. Once standing directly beside and extending into Lake Suwa, the castle was known as the “Floating Castle of Suwa” because its elegant silhouette appeared to rise from the waters. The castle was built in the former Province of Shinano during the turbulent period from the Warring States era into the Edo perio...»
Nozawana is a traditional leafy vegetable that originated in Nozawaonsen Village in northern Nagano Prefecture. A member of the mustard family, it has been closely connected with the region's food culture and way of life for centuries. The most famous product made from Nozawana is Nozawana-zuke, a traditional Japanese pickle made from the vegetable's leaves and stems. It is widely enjoyed through...»
Shinshu Soba is the traditional style of soba associated with Nagano Prefecture, historically known as Shinshu. Made primarily from buckwheat flour, these Japanese noodles are one of the region’s most celebrated culinary traditions....»
Romen is a distinctive local noodle dish from the Ina region of Nagano Prefecture. It is made by stir-frying mutton and vegetables with thick, steamed Chinese-style noodles. There are two main styles of Romen. One is prepared with a Chinese-style broth, while the other is closer to sauce-flavored yakisoba, or Japanese stir-fried noodles, with little or no soup. Both styles have a distinctive char...»
Utsukushigahara Open-Air Museum is an extraordinary outdoor sculpture museum located at an elevation of approximately 2,000 meters in the Utsukushigahara Highlands of Ueda, Nagano Prefecture. Surrounded by vast grasslands and spectacular mountain scenery, the museum offers a unique experience in which nature itself becomes part of the exhibition space. The museum occupies an expansive site of app...»
Michi-no-Eki Utsukushigahara Kogen is a roadside station located in the Utsukushigahara Highlands of Nagano Prefecture. Situated at an elevation of approximately 2,000 meters, it is known as the highest-altitude roadside station in Japan. Standing high above the surrounding valleys, the facility offers visitors the feeling of being close to the sky. Located at the end of the scenic Venus Line, it...»
Utsukushigahara is one of Japan’s most spectacular highland areas, stretching across Matsumoto City, Ueda City, and Nagawa Town in Nagano Prefecture. Located in the northwestern part of the Yatsugatake-Chushin Kogen Quasi-National Park, it is also one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains. The broad plateau rises to around 2,000 meters above sea level and offers an extraordinary sense of openness rarel...»
Utsukushigahara Onsen is a historic hot spring resort located on the outskirts of Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, at the foot of the Utsukushigahara highlands. Situated at an elevation of approximately 800 meters, the area is surrounded by peaceful natural scenery and offers a quiet atmosphere away from the bustle of the city. The hot spring village is only a few kilometers from the Utsukushig...»
The Venus Line is one of Japan’s most spectacular mountain roads, crossing the highlands of Nagano Prefecture from Chino City to the Utsukushigahara Highlands in Ueda City. The route stretches for approximately 76 kilometers and has an average elevation of around 1,400 meters, creating the sensation of driving along a road in the sky. Developed during the Showa period, the road was originally mad...»
Asama Onsen is a historic hot spring resort located in the northeastern part of Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. Known for centuries as the “inner parlor of Matsumoto,” it has long been a favorite place for relaxation and hot spring bathing. Located almost in the center of Shinshu, the traditional name for the Nagano region, Asama Onsen enjoys a scenic setting surrounded by nature. On clear day...»
Togakushi Soba is a traditional style of soba, or Japanese buckwheat noodles, associated with the Togakushi area of Nagano City. Togakushi is renowned for its deep connection with soba culture and is home to many highly skilled soba makers. Togakushi is sometimes described as a town where almost every household has someone skilled at making soba. Soba has long been closely connected with everyday...»
Katsudon with a special sauce made with carefully selected "local foodstuff from Komagane." Katsudon usually referrers nikatsu with eggs, but this katsudon is flavored with a sauce and is known as the origin of katsudon. It is said to be invented by a student of Waseda high school, Keijiro Nakanishi and his friends, and it was served for students at cafeterias then, and was spread nationwide....»
Matsukawacho is located in the northern end of Shimoinagun.Fruit cultivation of apples and pears flourishes, and the Black pork grown with the local apples and plums is slightly sweet and thus very tasty! "Goboton don" was born using the Black pork together with burdocks which is another local delicacy of Matsukawacho. There are quite many restaurants of Chinese cuisines, kappo (Japanese) cuisines...»
"Sakura don" is a local delicacy of Iijimacho using high-grade sakura meat (horsemeat) made for everybody to become familiar with it. High-grade horsemeat is called "sakuraniku" because of its cherry pink color. Horsemeat is eaten on a daily basis in France, and is very popular for women as well since it is as low in calories as chicken breasts, but contains glycogen and high in good quality anima...»
A culture of breeding sheep flourished in Toyamagou due to the characteristics of the region surrounded by mountains, and the village had 150 sheep at its peak. Thus, Nagano Prefecture is known as the second biggest kingdom of the Jingisukan cuisine after Hokkaido, and Minamishinshu area (Iida and Shimoina areas) has the most barbeque restaurants per 10,000 people in Japan. There are also other fo...»
Hoba-meshi, Hoba-kowameshi, Hoba-musubi, Hoba-sushi, and Hoba-maki were made at a mountain village of Kisodani and the Shimo-ina south using the sterilizing power of bokuha. A made home became little, but Hoba-maki and Hoba-mochi are handed down from generation to generation as an event food of a seasonal festival in May 5th, and production is sold the time at a snack shop in Kiso-ji....»
"Yubeshi" is a confectionary made with miso, rice powder, udon flour, sugar and walnuts mixed with yuzu juice, kneaded and steamed, and is also called "yubishi." Yuzu is the strongest spices of citruses in Japan against the cold climate, and is cultivated in the wider areas than Onshu citrus, thus yubeshi is made in many areas throughout Japan. In Nagano Prefecture, yuzu is cultivated around the s...»
There is no ocean in Shinshu area. Thus, fish for sushi, especially salted saba, was very precious. In Izuki in Iida City, sabasushi used to be presented to Izukihachimangu at the autumn festival, sushi became a dish for events and was considered as a "hare" dish, and a unique and valuable culture of sushi was settled in the area. "Saba kaido (Saba street)" which was located between Okazaki and Iz...»
A dish made with soba flour, but they are not eaten as soba noodles. "Sobagaki" is made by adding water or hot water to soba flour and mix well with chopsticks until it gets sticky and becomes a clump. Sobagaki is torn into small pieces by chopsticks and dipped in sobatuyu or shoyu when eaten. "Hayasoba" from Sakaemura in Shinshuyamanouchicho and "Sobagaki shiruko" from the areas of Matsumoto City...»
It's made an anniversary of death of Mr. Buddha on February 15, but it's offered at a make family Buddhist altar on March 15 of January late in Iizunacho. "And, I shoulder, oh, pull" and children went to a Zen temple and amajo to have this. HAN TEN was turned over and the form was changed in the inside, and there were the twice, 3 times and the child who goes to have this and. It was one of the pl...»
In summer, finely chopped eggplant is fried in a little oil and mixed with miso as filling. In winter, pickled leafy vegetables are fried with chopped daikon and mixed with a green onion and miso paste. Traditionally, oyaki were cooked in the irori (fireplace) ashes after being partially dried on a board in the corner of the irori. Wood from broadleaf deciduous trees such as konara (a type of oak)...»
Koino sugatani was the best dish whenever having guests at home for celebrations, weddings or funerals in Yamaura area in Suwa....»
A nimono dish served for ceremonial occasions in Kiso area. It is made in a large pot with lots of ingredients such as saitoimo, shirataki, chickens, carrots, daikon, mushrooms, etc. flavored with soy sauce....»
When work in a rice field was settled for the time being in the Kami-ina area formerly, relative's people gathered, and a rice dumplings-on-a-stick meeting was held. It hung time slowly and was some time of the fun clear sky when an adult and a child make and eat rice dumplings-on-a-stick by everyone while making small talk....»
Buckwheat flour is dissolved in water and it's stirred in the Japanese radish cutting into fine strips boiled rather hard. Because it can be made a thing seen as the soba limit and a short time when it's larger in the quantity of Japanese radish than buckwheat flour, I say "sou soba". Only Sukagawa where the one which is being made in the Nagano prefecture is Sakae-mura and Yamanouchi-machi. It is...»
Tame sushi with the char of ingredients the inside in a mountain. It develops as a New Year's dish and an event food. I take internal organs of char (Other river fish are also fine.), stuff salt soup stock and vinegared rice in 1 month before which is pickled and eaten with many salt, put a stack arrangement weight in the barrel and ferment. It's handed down from generation to generation only at a...»
"Nidoimo (twice potato)" was named so because it was harvested twice a year. The ingredients for nidoimo no misodengaku are nidoimo, egoma and onikurumi (wallnuts) and they are all produced in Toyamago. Imodengaku, made with local foodstuff, is a valuable food culture....»
OYAKI FARM is a unique visitor facility in Nagano Prefecture where you can discover the traditional food culture of Shinshu through freshly baked oyaki, hands-on workshops, factory tours, shopping, and a café with beautiful views. The facility is operated by Irohado, a long-established oyaki maker founded in Nagano in 1925. In addition to tasting freshly made oyaki, visitors can watch how these t...»
St.Cousair Hill is a picturesque destination in Iizuna Town, northern Nagano Prefecture, where visitors can enjoy wine, local food, and beautiful countryside scenery. Set on a hill with sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, the site brings together the St.Cousair flagship store, a winery, a restaurant, a chapel, and vineyards. The peaceful setting, reminiscent of the French countryside, of...»
Shinpei Nakayama Memorial Museum is located in Nakano City, Nagano Prefecture, and commemorates the life and achievements of Shinpei Nakayama, one of Japan's most influential composers of the Meiji, Taisho, and early Showa periods. The museum is operated by Nakano City under the Nakano City Shinpei Nakayama Memorial Museum Ordinance. In addition to preserving materials related to Nakayama, it pla...»
Tatsuyuki Takano Memorial Museum is a cultural facility in Nakano City, Nagano Prefecture, dedicated to the life and achievements of Tatsuyuki Takano, a renowned Japanese scholar of classical literature and the lyricist of many beloved Japanese school songs. The museum is established and operated by Nakano City under the Nakano City Tatsuyuki Takano Memorial Museum Ordinance. It serves not only t...»
Nakano Jinya and Prefectural Government Memorial Museum is a museum in Nakano City, Nagano Prefecture, introducing the history and culture of the Nakano area. The museum makes use of a historic building constructed in 1936 as the former Nakano Town Hall. After being carefully preserved and adapted for public use, it officially opened as a museum in 1994. Today, the museum serves as a place where...»
Japan Folk Clay Doll Museum is a cultural and tourist facility in Nakano City, Nagano Prefecture, dedicated to the traditional Japanese craft of tsuchi ningyo, or folk clay dolls. Officially known as the Nakano City Tourist Hall and Japan Folk Clay Doll Museum, the facility introduces the history and character of Japan's regional folk toys through an extensive collection of clay dolls from Nakano...»
Fukuroya Museum is a historic museum in Nakano City, Nagano Prefecture, housed in the former residence of the Fukuroya family, a prosperous merchant family during the Edo period. The building was opened to the public as a museum in 1996. The sixth head of the Fukuroya family, Seizaemon, who used the literary name Baidō, and the seventh head, Baijin, had close friendships with the renowned Edo-per...»
Ippongi Park is a beautiful public park in Nakano City, Nagano Prefecture, where visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers, greenery, cultural attractions, and local events throughout the year. The park opened in 1984 and has since become a popular place for both local residents and visitors. It is especially famous for its impressive rose garden, which contains more than 850 varieties and 3,500 rose p...»
Kitashinano Furusato-no-Mori Cultural Park is a large recreational park in Nakano City, Nagano Prefecture, developed around the theme of the relationship between people and nature. Covering approximately 15.48 hectares, the park makes full use of the rich natural environment of northern Shinshu and offers opportunities to learn, play, relax, and enjoy the outdoors in one location. With its combin...»
Shinshu Fruit Land Shinshu-Nakano Interchange Store is a popular tourist farm in Kusama, Nakano City, Nagano Prefecture, where visitors can enjoy seasonal fruit-picking experiences as well as local Shinshu cuisine and shopping. One of its greatest advantages is its convenient location. The farm is only about one minute by car from the Shinshu-Nakano Interchange on the Joshin-Etsu Expressway, maki...»
Jorakuji Temple is a historic temple of the Soto school of Zen Buddhism located in Kuriwada, Nakano City, Nagano Prefecture. Its mountain name is Sentozan, and its head temple is Morin-ji Temple in Tatebayashi, Gunma Prefecture. With its long history, Buddhist sculptures, traditional architecture, and connections to the powerful Uesugi clan, Jorakuji offers visitors an opportunity to experience t...»
Madarao Kogen is a scenic highland resort located at an elevation of around 1,000 meters. Stretching across Iiyama City in Nagano Prefecture and Myoko City in Niigata Prefecture, the area spreads across the foothills of majestic Mount Madarao and offers a wide range of attractions throughout the year. In winter, the resort is known for its abundant natural snowfall and excellent conditions for sk...»
Reikanji Temple is a temple of the Myoshinji school of the Rinzai tradition of Zen Buddhism, located in Higashiyama, Nakano City, Nagano Prefecture. Its mountain name is Entsuzan, and its head temple is Myoshinji Temple in Kyoto, one of Japan's most important Rinzai Zen temples. The temple's principal Buddhist image is Shō Kannon, or the Sacred Kannon Bodhisattva. Revered by local residents for c...»
The Shinshu Nakano Copperplate and Lithograph Museum is a cultural museum in Nakano City, Nagano Prefecture, where art, local history, and memories of the community are preserved in a historic school building. Its official name is the Former Nakano Elementary School Building at Ichinoki Park / Shinshu Nakano Copperplate and Lithograph Museum. Since opening in 1997, the museum has welcomed both lo...»
The Nakano City Museum is a museum in Nakano City, Nagano Prefecture, dedicated to introducing the region's natural environment, history, and cultural heritage. Opened in 2009, the museum is used by local residents as well as travelers visiting the area. One of its greatest attractions is the opportunity to learn about the development of Nakano through actual archaeological, historical, and cultu...»
Nanshoji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Daimon, Nakano City, Nagano Prefecture. It belongs to the Chisan School of Shingon Buddhism and has long been an important place of worship for the local community. The temple's mountain name is Takai-san, and it is widely known by the nickname Kawahigashi Zenkoji, meaning “Zenkoji East of the River.” Nanshoji has numerous connections with ...»
Nyohoji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Higashiyama, Nakano City, Nagano Prefecture. It belongs to the Chisan School of Shingon Buddhism. The temple's mountain name is Koryozan, and its formal temple name includes Muryojui-in. Its head temple is Chishaku-in in Kyoto. With a history of more than 1,200 years, Nyohoji is closely associated with Kobo Daishi, also known as Kukai, the f...»
The Yanagisawa Archaeological Site is a large settlement site dating primarily to the Yayoi period, located in Yanagisawa, Nakano City, Nagano Prefecture. The site attracted nationwide attention after archaeological excavations in 2007 uncovered a group of bronze bells and bronze halberds buried together—the first discovery of this type in eastern Japan. A total of 212 archaeological artifacts ex...»
Taiseiji Temple is a Soto Zen Buddhist temple located in Higashiyama, Nakano City, Nagano Prefecture. Its mountain name is Koshozan. Founded as the family temple of the powerful medieval Takanashi clan, the temple has a deep connection with the history of northern Shinano. Quietly nestled among the hills, Taiseiji preserves the atmosphere of a historic temple and offers visitors a glimpse into th...»
Senpukuji Temple is a historic temple of the Otani School of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, the Higashi Honganji tradition, located in Takehara, Nakano City, Nagano Prefecture. Its mountain name is Okumayama, and its principal image is Amida Buddha. For centuries, Senpukuji has been closely connected with the faith and daily lives of the local community. Quietly preserving its history, traditions, and cu...»
Ohi Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Suwamachi, Nakano City, Nagano Prefecture. Closely connected with the history of northern Nagano, the shrine stands immediately beside the Takanashi Residence Site, a nationally designated Historic Site and one of the largest medieval rectangular fortified residences in the Hokushin region. The close proximity of the shrine and the former residenc...»
Ouchi Hachiman Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Angenji, Nakano City, Nagano Prefecture. Situated close to the Shinshu-Nakano Interchange on the Joshin-Etsu Expressway, the shrine is easily accessible from the city center and has long been an important place of worship for the local community. With its long approach, historic buildings, old trees, and traditional festivals, Ouchi Hac...»
Daitokuji Temple is a Soto Zen Buddhist temple located in Katashio, Nakano City, Nagano Prefecture. Its mountain name is Enmeizan, and the temple enshrines a wooden statue of Shaka Nyorai (Shakyamuni Buddha) believed to have been created during the late Muromachi period. With more than 500 years of history, Daitokuji has long supported the religious and spiritual life of the local community. It i...»
Nakano City is located in northern Nagano Prefecture, spreading across the northeastern part of the Nagano Basin. Surrounded by mountains and clear rivers, the city has developed as a central hub of the Hokushin region, where abundant nature, a long history, and agriculture-based industries come together. For centuries, Nakano has served as an important crossroads for transportation and culture. ...»
Iiyama City is located in northeastern Nagano Prefecture, where beautiful natural landscapes blend with traditional culture and a long history. Since becoming a city in 1954, Iiyama has developed as a destination where visitors can experience the character of rural Japan. Surrounded by mountains and clear rivers, the city is known for its rich natural environment, traditional way of life, and agr...»
Iiyama Castle was a Japanese castle that once stood in Iiyama, in the former Mizuuchi District of Shinano Province, now part of Iiyama City in Nagano Prefecture. Built as a hirayamajo, or hilltop castle on a low mountain, it took advantage of the area's natural terrain and was surrounded by beautiful mountain and river landscapes. Although the castle buildings disappeared after the Meiji Restorat...»
Shojuan is a historic Rinzai Zen temple in Iiyama City, Nagano Prefecture, with a history dating back to the 17th century. Located in northern Nagano, the temple is known as the place where Dokyo Etan (Shuju Ronin), a highly respected Zen master and teacher of Hakuin Ekaku, spent much of his life practicing Zen. The temple's mountain name is Konenzan. Its exceptional historical and cultural value...»
Kosuge Shrine is a historic shrine in Iiyama City, Nagano Prefecture, and one of the three major Shugendo sacred sites in Shinshu, together with Mount Togakushi and Mount Iizuna. Its religious history reaches deep into Japan's past, and the area has long been revered as a place of mountain asceticism, spiritual practice, and nature worship. Today, Kosuge remains a peaceful destination for worship...»
Lake Hokuryuko is a beautiful natural lake nestled in the mountains of Iiyama City, Nagano Prefecture. Surrounded by forests and rich natural landscapes, the lake offers changing scenery throughout the year. It is especially famous in spring, when brilliant yellow rapeseed flowers bloom along the lakeshore at the same time as cherry blossoms. The sight of yellow flowers, pink cherry blossoms, and...»
Tomikura Soba is a traditional noodle dish from the Tomikura area of Iiyama City, Nagano Prefecture. It is one of the region's most distinctive local foods, known for its unusual use of oyamabokuchi, a wild plant related to thistles, as a natural binding ingredient in the soba noodles. This traditional technique is exceptionally rare in Japan and has been carefully preserved in the Tomikura area....»
Shiga Kogen is a vast mountainous highland area extending across Yamanouchi Town in Shimotakai District, Nagano Prefecture, and its surrounding mountains. Located within Joshin'etsukogen National Park, the area rises to elevations of more than 1,000 meters and is known for its cool summers, heavy winter snowfall, mountain scenery, wetlands, lakes, hot springs, and ski resorts. With its refreshing...»
Happo Onsen is a historic hot spring resort located in Yamanouchi Town, Nagano Prefecture, in the heart of the Shiga Kogen highlands. Situated at an elevation of approximately 1,600 meters, the hot spring is surrounded by magnificent mountain scenery, including views toward the Northern Shinshu Five Mountains and the Northern Alps. With a history dating back to the Edo period, Happo Onsen once fl...»
Yamanouchi Town is located in northeastern Nagano Prefecture and is surrounded by magnificent mountains, highland landscapes, and historic hot spring resorts. The town is home to two of northern Nagano's best-known destinations, Shiga Kogen and the Yudanaka-Shibu Onsen area, where beautiful seasonal scenery and traditional hot spring culture come together. From snow-covered mountains and ski reso...»
Kumanoyu Onsen is a secluded hot spring resort in Shiga Kogen, Yamanouchi Town, northern Nagano Prefecture. Surrounded by magnificent mountains and rich natural scenery, it is known for its striking emerald-green hot spring water and the traditional legend behind its name. At a high elevation, Kumanoyu offers a cool mountain climate and beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons. It is an id...»
Kutsuno Onsen is a historic hot spring area in Yamanouchi Town, Nagano Prefecture, located within the Yudanaka-Shibu Onsen region. While it is less well known internationally than neighboring Shibu Onsen and Kamibayashi Onsen, Kutsuno has a distinctive charm rooted in its quiet atmosphere, traditional bathing culture, and connection with everyday local life. Perched on elevated ground overlooking...»
Kamibayashi Onsen is a peaceful hot spring resort in Yamanouchi Town, Nagano Prefecture, located at an elevation of approximately 850 meters on the foothills of Shiga Kogen. Surrounded by forests and mountain scenery, this elegant hot spring village has long been associated with writers, artists, and other cultural figures. Rather than being a large and bustling resort, Kamibayashi Onsen has a qu...»
Jigokudani Onsen is a secluded hot spring in Yamanouchi Town, Nagano Prefecture, located deep in the mountains of the Yudanaka-Shibu Hot Spring region. The hot springs emerge along the gorge of the Yokoyu River, where steep mountains and a rugged natural environment create an atmosphere far removed from the busy cities of Japan. The area is particularly famous for the unusual relationship between...»
Snow Resort Romance no Kamisama, formerly known as Kitashinshu Kijimadaira Ski Resort, is a ski resort in Kijimadaira Village, Nagano Prefecture. The resort takes its current name from the popular Japanese song “Romance no Kamisama” by singer and songwriter Koumi Hirose. In 2023, the resort officially adopted the song's name as part of a major renewal and rebranding. Located on the northern slope...»
Hoshikawa Onsen is a historic hot spring area in Yamanouchi Town, Nagano Prefecture, forming part of the Yudanaka-Shibu Hot Spring region. Surrounded by mountains and rich natural scenery, this peaceful hot spring destination has long been appreciated as a place where visitors can slow down, relax, and experience the traditional Japanese culture of toji, or restorative hot spring bathing. Unlike ...»
Tarudaki Falls is a beautiful waterfall in Kijimadaira Village, Nagano Prefecture, surrounded by the rich natural scenery of northern Shinshu. Located along the upper reaches of the Taru River, the site is known for three distinctive waterfalls: Odaki Falls, Medaki Falls, and the remarkable “Phantom Waterfall”, which appears only at specific times of the year. Each waterfall has a different chara...»
Okushiga Kogen Ski Resort is located in the northernmost part of the Shiga Kogen ski area in Yamanouchi Town, Nagano Prefecture. Surrounded by beautiful forests and mountains, it is known for its quiet atmosphere, high elevation, and excellent snow conditions. Although winter skiing is the resort's main attraction, Okushiga Kogen is also a year-round mountain resort where visitors can enjoy hikin...»
Yokote Mountain is a 2,307-meter-high volcanic mountain located on the border between Yamanouchi Town in Nagano Prefecture and Nakanojo Town in Gunma Prefecture. Situated at the southeastern edge of the Shiga Kogen area within Joshin'etsukogen National Park, the mountain also lies along the Central Tectonic Divide that separates the drainage basins flowing toward the Sea of Japan and the Pacific O...»
Nozawa Onsen is one of northern Nagano Prefecture's most historic hot spring destinations. Located in Nozawaonsen Village in Shimotakai District, the town spreads across the lower slopes of Mount Kenashi, an old volcano rising to approximately 1,650 meters. For centuries, people have traveled to Nozawa Onsen to enjoy its abundant natural hot springs. Today, the village retains a traditional atmos...»
Ryuoo Ski Park is a large-scale ski resort located in Yomase, Yamanouchi Town, Shimotakai District, Nagano Prefecture. Situated on the northwestern slopes of Mount Ryuoo, one of the mountains of the Northern Shinshu region, the resort makes the most of its substantial elevation difference to offer a wide variety of ski runs. The resort reaches from the lower mountain area to elevations of around ...»
Shibu Pass is a scenic mountain pass located on the border between Nakanojo Town in Gunma Prefecture and Yamanouchi Town in Nagano Prefecture. At an elevation of 2,172 meters, it marks the highest point on Japan’s national highway network. Surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes, Shibu Pass is one of the most impressive scenic spots in the northern Nagano and Gunma region. From spring through ...»
Yakebitaiyama Ski Area is located on the southeastern slopes of Mount Yakebitai, at an elevation of around 2,000 meters, in Yamanouchi Town, Nagano Prefecture. It forms part of the vast Shiga Kogen ski area and opened in 1983, making it one of the newer ski resorts in the region. As the last ski area to be developed within Shiga Kogen, Yakebitaiyama is known for its excellent lift capacity, inclu...»
Ichinose Family Ski Area and Tanne no Mori Okojo Ski Area are popular ski areas located in Yamanouchi Town, Nagano Prefecture, at the heart of the expansive Shiga Kogen ski region. Because the two areas share the same lift numbering system, they are generally treated as a single ski area, offering a varied winter playground for skiers and snowboarders....»
Higashidateyama Alpine Botanical Garden is a spectacular high-altitude botanical garden located near the summit of Mt. Higashidate in Shiga Kogen, Yamanouchi, Nagano Prefecture. Situated at an elevation of approximately 2,030 meters, the garden is one of Japan's largest alpine botanical gardens. Since opening in 1960, it has attracted plant enthusiasts, hikers, and visitors seeking the beauty of S...»
Kijimadaira Village is a picturesque mountain community in northeastern Nagano Prefecture, surrounded by forests, mountains, rivers, and wide-open rural landscapes. The village is beautiful throughout the year, with fresh greenery in spring and summer, colorful foliage in autumn, and deep snow in winter. Rich natural resources are complemented by a long history and distinctive local culture. Visi...»
Maguse Onsen is a picturesque hot spring destination in Kijimadaira Village, northeastern Nagano Prefecture. Located in a quiet mountain valley along the Maguse River, the area is surrounded by forests and beautiful seasonal scenery. The main attraction is Maguse Onsen Bōkyō-no-Yu, a day-use hot spring facility famous for its spectacular open-air bath. A simple accommodation facility, Nashino-ki-...»
Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort is one of Japan’s most historic and expansive ski resorts, located in the mountain village of Nozawaonsen in northern Nagano Prefecture. With its combination of extensive ski terrain, impressive vertical drop, deep winter snow, and a traditional hot spring village at its doorstep, the resort offers a uniquely Japanese winter experience....»
Nozawaonsen Village is a beautiful mountain community in northeastern Nagano Prefecture, renowned for its hot springs and traditional Japanese village culture. At the heart of the village is the abundant hot spring water of Nozawa Onsen, which has attracted visitors from Japan and around the world for generations. Surrounded by mountains and forests, the village offers a remarkable combination of...»
Akiyama-go is a remote mountain region stretching along the Nakatsugawa River across Tsunan Town in Niigata Prefecture and Sakae Village in Nagano Prefecture. Surrounded by dramatic mountains and rich forests, the area is known as one of Japan's most secluded regions, where traditional culture, local customs, and a close relationship with nature have survived for centuries. Located between Mt. Na...»
Sakae Village is a small mountain community in the northernmost part of Nagano Prefecture, in the northern Shinshu region. Located in Shimominochi District, the village borders both Niigata and Gunma prefectures and lies close to the meeting point of three prefectures. Surrounded by mountains, clear rivers, hot springs, and deep forests, Sakae Village is known for its beautiful natural environmen...»
Sakae Village History and Culture Museum Korasse is a cultural facility in Sakae Village, Shimominochi District, Nagano Prefecture. It also incorporates the Sakae Village Community Center, serving as an important hub for local culture and community activities. The museum was created by renovating the former Shikumi Branch School of Higashibu Elementary School and opened in August 2016. Its purpos...»
Kiriake Onsen is a secluded hot spring located deep in Akiyama-go, Sakae Village, Shimominochi District, Nagano Prefecture. Surrounded by quiet forests, mountains, and the clear waters of the Nakatsugawa River, it is one of the most remote hot spring destinations in the region. Long cherished as a place for hot spring therapy and relaxation, Kiriake Onsen continues to attract visitors seeking an ...»
Neko chigura, also known as neko tsugura, is a traditional cat bed that has been made for generations in the snowy regions of Niigata and Nagano. Crafted from natural materials such as rice straw and paper cord, each chigura is carefully woven by hand. Its simple appearance, warmth, and practical design make it a unique example of traditional Japanese rural life. Neko chigura is traditionally pro...»
Shin-Etsu Sakae Roadside Station is located in Sakae Village, Nagano Prefecture, along National Route 117 near the border between Nagano and Niigata prefectures. As a roadside station, it provides travelers with a place to rest, eat, shop for local products, and discover the culture of the surrounding region. Sakae Village lies at the northernmost edge of Shinshu, the traditional name for Nagano ...»
Saburyu Mountain, also known as Saburu-yama, stands at an elevation of 2,191.5 meters on the border between Sakae Village in Nagano Prefecture and Yuzawa Town in Niigata Prefecture. Selected as one of Japan's 200 Famous Mountains and one of the 100 Famous Mountains of Shinshu, it is the highest mountain in Sakae Village. The mountain rises deep within the mountainous area of Joshin'etsukogen Nati...»
Nonomi Highland is a peaceful natural retreat located at an elevation of approximately 1,020 meters. Surrounded by one of Japan's relatively rare areas of primeval beech forest, this secluded highland offers a tranquil escape deep in the mountains, far from the bustle of everyday life. Located away from populated areas, Nonomi Highland is characterized by its pristine natural environment and sens...»
Deep in Akiyama-go, a remote mountain region of Sakae Village in Nagano Prefecture, lies a remarkable hot spring experience found nowhere else quite like it. Known as the Kiriake Kawara-yu, this natural open-air bath is located along the upper reaches of the Nakatsugawa River. Rather than entering a conventional hot spring facility, visitors can immerse themselves in nature and enjoy hot spring w...»
Nozawa Onsen Roadside Station is located along National Route 117 in Nozawaonsen Village, Nagano Prefecture. Nozawa Onsen is famous throughout Japan for its historic hot springs and excellent ski resort, but the village also has a rich rural culture shaped by clean mountain water and fertile farmland. This roadside station offers visitors an easy way to discover another side of Nozawa Onsen throu...»
Nagano City is the capital of Nagano Prefecture and the largest city in the prefecture by population. Located in northern Nagano, it serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of the Hokushin region. Together with Matsumoto in central Nagano, it is designated as a core city of Japan. The city is best known internationally for Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan's most important Buddhist temp...»
The Hanashina Kofun Group is an important collection of ancient burial mounds scattered across present-day Chikuma City in Nagano Prefecture. Centered around four large keyhole-shaped burial mounds, known in Japanese as zenpō-kōen-fun, the group offers a fascinating glimpse into the political and social world of ancient Japan. All four principal burial mounds are designated as National Historic S...»
Shinshu Zenkoji Nakamise Street is a charming stone-paved shopping street that stretches along the approach to Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture. Located between the Niomon Gate and the Sanmon Gate, the approximately 400-meter-long street is lined with around 50 shops and establishments, including temple lodgings, restaurants, cafés, and souvenir stores. For centuries, Nakamise Str...»
Matsushiro Castle is a historic castle site in Matsushiro, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture. Originally known as Kaizu Castle, it is closely associated with the famous Battles of Kawanakajima between Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin during Japan's turbulent Sengoku period. The castle was also known by names such as Kaizu Castle and Kayatsu Castle. The name Kaizu is traditionally said to have been ...»
Bunbu School was a domain school established by the Matsushiro Domain in Shinano Province during the late Edo period. It was created to educate the sons of samurai families in both academic subjects and martial arts. Today, many of the school's original buildings remain remarkably well preserved, and the site is open to the public by Nagano City. It is an exceptionally valuable example of a hanko...»
Chokokuji Temple is a historic temple of the Soto school of Zen Buddhism located in Matsushiro, Nagano City. Its mountain name is Sanada-zan, and the temple enshrines Shakyamuni Buddha as its principal image. Chokokuji is best known as the family temple and ancestral temple of the Sanada clan, the samurai family that ruled the Matsushiro Domain during the Edo period. With its historic buildings, ...»
Suzakura Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Izumidaira, Nagano City. The shrine is especially famous for a single magnificent cherry tree standing within its grounds. Known as the Suzakura Shrine Jindai-zakura, this ancient tree is designated as a National Natural Monument of Japan and attracts worshippers and cherry blossom enthusiasts from across Nagano and beyond....»
Saikoji Temple is a historic temple of the Jodo school of Buddhism in Nagano City. Its mountain name is Karukayazan, while its formal name is Jakusho-in. The temple's principal object of worship is the Karukaya Parent-and-Child Jizo, and Saikoji is also famous for its tradition of e-toki, the practice of explaining Buddhist stories and teachings through illustrated scrolls. Locally, the temple is...»
Zozan Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Matsushiro, Nagano City, dedicated to Sakuma Zozan, a prominent thinker, scholar of military science, and reformer of the late Edo period. A samurai of the Matsushiro Domain, Zozan was known for studying Western learning and introducing new scientific and political ideas to Japan during a period of dramatic change. The shrine stands on the site of Sakum...»
The Sanada Treasures Museum is a municipal museum in Matsushiro, Nagano City, dedicated to the history and heritage of the Sanada family, one of the most famous samurai families of Japan's Sengoku period. The museum houses and displays a remarkable collection of cultural treasures associated with the Sanada family, including armor, swords, household furnishings, paintings, historical documents, a...»
The Matsushiro Underground Imperial Headquarters Ruins are the remains of a vast underground complex constructed in Matsushiro, Nagano City, during the final stages of World War II. The project was intended to relocate Japan's political and military leadership from Tokyo to a secure inland location in preparation for a possible decisive battle on the Japanese mainland. The enormous network of tun...»
Kawanakajima Battlefield Historic Park is a large urban park in the Sarashina area of Nagano City, associated with the famous battles between two of Japan's most celebrated warlords, Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin. Also known simply as the Kawanakajima Battlefield, the park combines historical sites, monuments, greenery, and recreational facilities. It is a popular destination for visitors int...»
Chausuyama Dinosaur Park is a unique outdoor attraction on Mount Chausuyama in Shinonoi, Nagano City, where nature, imagination, and prehistoric life come together. The park is part of the 33-hectare Chausuyama Nature Botanical Garden, which was developed on land affected by a historic landslide. Scattered throughout the greenery are life-size models of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures f...»
Chausuyama Zoo is located on the lower slopes of Mount Chausuyama in Shinonoi, Nagano City. Opened in 1983 as part of a commemorative project for the 80th anniversary of Nagano City, the zoo has developed around the concept of a “zoo in the forest.” Rather than separating the animals completely from their natural surroundings, the zoo makes use of the existing woodland landscape to create a relaxi...»
Kankeiji Temple stands in Higashinomoncho, Nagano City, just beside the eastern gate of Zenkoji Temple. Officially known as Jufukuzan Muryoin Kankeiji, it belongs to the Chinzei branch of the Jodo school of Buddhism. Although it is located just steps from one of Nagano's most famous Buddhist temples, Kankeiji has a quieter and more intimate atmosphere. Its long history, religious traditions, hist...»
Hasedera Temple is a historic Buddhist temple in Shionozaki, Shinonoi, Nagano City. It belongs to the Chisan School of Shingon Buddhism and is officially known as Kinpusen Hasedera. Locally, it is often called Shinano Hasedera to distinguish it from other temples with the same name. Among the many Hasedera temples found throughout Japan, the temples in Yamato, Kamakura, and Shinano are traditiona...»
Nagano City Joyama Zoo is a charming, family-friendly zoo located inside Joyama Park in Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture. With its convenient location near the famous Zenkoji Temple, free admission, and a variety of animals and children's attractions, the zoo is an enjoyable place to visit while exploring central Nagano. Although Joyama Zoo is relatively small compared with large zoos in Japan, its...»
Mount Iizuna, also known as Mount Iizunayama, is a beautiful mountain in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture. Rising to an elevation of 1,917 meters, it stretches across Nagano City, Shinano Town, and Iizuna Town. The mountain is popular with hikers, mountain enthusiasts, and travelers seeking to experience the natural beauty of the Nagano region. The name Mount Iizuna can also refer collectiv...»
Lake Reisenji is a beautiful man-made lake in Iizuna Town, Nagano Prefecture. It was created on the Sobe River, a tributary of the Shinano River system, originally as an agricultural reservoir. Surrounded by the forests and highland scenery of the Iizuna Highlands, the lake has also become a popular destination for outdoor recreation and sightseeing. Carp, crucian carp, and black bass inhabit the...»
Nagano City Museum is a municipal museum located in Kojimada-machi, Nagano City. As a formally registered museum, it introduces the natural environment, history, culture, and everyday life of the Nagano Basin and the surrounding Shinano region. The museum aims to deepen understanding of the relationship between local people and their environment while serving as a place where knowledge and cultur...»
Togakushi Geological and Fossil Museum is a natural history museum in Nagano City dedicated to the geology, fossils, and natural environment of the Togakushi region and the wider Nagano Basin. Its collections provide visitors with an opportunity to explore the geological history of the area and discover how the landscapes around Nagano were formed. The museum has its roots in the former Togakushi...»
Ikuma Arishima Memorial Museum is a cultural facility in Kamijo, Shinshu-Shinmachi, Nagano City, dedicated to the life and artistic achievements of Ikuma Arishima, a Japanese Western-style painter who made an important contribution to the development of modern art in Japan. The museum was established in October 1982 after Arishima's former residence was relocated from Kamakura to Shinshu-Shinmach...»
Mount Togakushi is a 1,904-meter-high mountain in Nagano City and one of the most distinctive peaks of the Togakushi Range. It is recognized as one of the 100 Famous Mountains of Shinshu and one of the Five Mountains of Northern Shinshu. With its dramatic rock formations, rich natural environment, and deep connections to Japanese mythology and mountain worship, Mount Togakushi has attracted both p...»
Rokaku Lake is a beautiful man-made lake created by Minouchi Dam on the Sai River in Nagano City. Surrounded by mountains and forests, the lake offers a peaceful landscape that changes dramatically with the seasons. The name “Rokaku Lake” was given by Ikuma Arishima, the Japanese painter who had a deep affection for this region. The name evokes an image of cranes gracefully moving across the surf...»
The Nagano Olympic Museum preserves and shares the memories, achievements, and cultural legacy of the 18th Winter Olympic Games and Winter Paralympic Games, held in Nagano in 1998. The museum originally opened in 1999 and is located inside the Nagano Olympic Memorial Arena, known as M-Wave. The venue itself was one of the important facilities associated with the Nagano Winter Olympics, making the...»
The Nagano Prefectural Art Museum is a major cultural institution in Nagano City, located within the green surroundings of Joyama Park just east of Zenkoji Temple. Designed to harmonize with the surrounding landscape, the museum offers an appealing combination of art, architecture, nature, and views. The museum traces its origins to the former Shinano Museum of Art. Today, it serves as a cultural...»
Iizuna Highlands, also known as Iizuna Kogen, is a scenic highland area in the Imoi district of Nagano City. Located at elevations of approximately 800 to 1,200 meters, the area stretches across the foothills of the sacred Mount Iizuna to the southeast. With its forests, wetlands, lakes, mountains, cultural heritage, and outdoor facilities, Iizuna Highlands is one of the area's most diverse desti...»
Iizuna Resort Ski Area is a popular ski resort in Iizuna Town, Nagano Prefecture. The resort stretches across the eastern slopes of Mount Reisenji, one of the subsidiary peaks of Mount Iizuna, one of the Five Mountains of Northern Shinshu. Its convenient location makes it accessible from Nagano City, while the surrounding forests and mountain scenery provide a distinctly alpine atmosphere. The re...»
The Mizuno Museum of Art is a museum in the Wakasato district of Nagano City specializing in Japanese painting. Operated by the Mizuno Museum of Art Foundation, it opened in 2002 to showcase the collection of modern and contemporary Japanese paintings assembled over many years by Masayuki Mizuno (1940–2009), the founder of HOKTO Corporation, a company well known in Japan for its mushroom productio...»
Okususo Nature Garden is a beautiful natural park in the Kinasa area of Nagano City, located in the upper reaches of the Susobana River. At an elevation of approximately 1,200 meters, the area is surrounded by extensive beech forests and is known for its wetlands, ponds, and pristine mountain scenery. Located deep in the mountains of northern Nagano, Okususo offers visitors a peaceful escape into...»
Togakushi Forest Botanical Garden is a nature-rich botanical garden in the Togakushi area of Nagano City, located within Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park. Set at an elevation of approximately 1,200 meters, the garden spreads across a cool highland landscape where visitors can observe the plants, birds, and wildlife characteristic of the Togakushi area. With walking trails winding through fore...»
Gansho-in Temple is a historic Soto Zen Buddhist temple in Obuse, Nagano Prefecture. With a history dating back around 600 years, the temple is known as the family temple of Fukushima Masanori, a powerful feudal lord of the early Edo period. It is also famous for its extraordinary ceiling painting, “Phoenix Looking in All Directions”, created by the renowned ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai late ...»
Miwa Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in the Miwa district of Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture. The shrine is an ancient Shikinaisha, meaning that it is listed in the Engishiki Jinmyocho, an important tenth-century record of officially recognized shrines in Japan. Miwa Shrine was also traditionally counted among the Seven Shrines of Zenkoji and has long been an important place of worship for loca...»
Takei Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in the Higashimachi district of Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture. Together with Tsumashina Shrine and Yufuku Shrine, it is traditionally known as one of the Three Guardian Shrines of Zenkoji, protecting the sacred area around the famous Zenkoji Temple. According to shrine tradition, its origins date back to around 692, making it one of the ancient places of ...»
Tsumashina Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in a quiet residential area of Minami-Nagano, Nagano City. It is traditionally regarded as one of the Three Guardian Shrines of Zenkoji Temple, together with Takei Shrine and Yutaka Shrine, and is also counted among the Seven Shrines associated with Zenkoji. The shrine has long been closely connected with the religious history of the Zenkoji a...»
Yubuku Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Hakoshimizu, Nagano City. For centuries, it has been closely associated with the religious life of the Zenkoji area and is traditionally regarded as one of the Three Guardian Shrines of Zenkoji, together with Takei Shrine and Tsumashina Shrine. It is also counted among the Seven Shrines associated with Zenkoji. The shrine was formerly classified as a G...»
Matsushiro Onsen is a hot spring area in the Matsushiro district of Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture. It was once known as Kagai Onsen, and today it is enjoyed by visitors as a peaceful hot spring destination surrounded by the historic atmosphere of Matsushiro....»
Yawataya Isogoro is a long-established producer specializing in shichimi togarashi, the famous Japanese seven-spice blend, based in Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture. Its history dates back to 1736, during the Edo period, when the founder, Kan'emon, began selling chili peppers on the grounds of Zenkoji Temple. With a history spanning more than 280 years, Yawataya Isogoro is regarded as one of Japan'...»
Suzaka City is a charming destination in northern Nagano Prefecture where historic streets, beautiful mountain scenery, traditional culture, and local food come together. Once a prosperous castle-town-like settlement serving as the administrative center of the Suzaka Domain during the Edo period, Suzaka later developed into an important center of the silk industry. The prosperity of those days ca...»
Sugadaira Highland is a beautiful highland area extending from northern Ueda City to Suzaka City in Nagano Prefecture. Located at an elevation of approximately 1,250 to 1,650 meters, it forms part of Joshin'etsukogen National Park. Its cool climate and rich natural environment make Sugadaira a popular destination throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy changing seasonal scenery, while the refresh...»
Garyu Park is a spacious urban park in Suzaka City, Nagano Prefecture, where beautiful natural scenery, history, and local culture come together. The park was developed in 1931 and designed by Seiroku Honda, Japan’s first forestry doctorate holder, who was also involved in the design of Meiji Shrine and Hibiya Park. Recognized as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Sites, as well as one...»
Suzaka City Zoo is a municipal zoo located within Garyu Park in Suzaka City, Nagano Prefecture. Closely connected with the local community, the zoo has been a popular place for recreation since it opened on October 1, 1962. Its compact size and warm atmosphere make it an appealing destination for families and travelers looking for a relaxed wildlife experience....»
Yonako Takizan Fudoji Temple is a historic temple of the Shingon Buddhism tradition, located in Yonako, Suzaka City, Nagano Prefecture. It is known as one of Japan’s Three Great Sacred Sites dedicated to Fudo Myoo, and stands at the foot of sacred Mount Yonako, with the spectacular Yonako Waterfall Group rising deep in the mountains behind it. The temple’s principal image is a standing statue of ...»
Obuse Town is a charming destination in northeastern Nagano Prefecture, known for its rich history, beautiful scenery, traditional culture, and exceptional local food. Although Obuse is one of the smallest municipalities in Nagano Prefecture in terms of area, it has become one of northern Nagano's most popular tourist destinations. Obuse is particularly famous for two things: chestnuts and Katsus...»
Tanaka Honke Museum is a private museum in Koku-machi, Suzaka City, Nagano Prefecture, housed within the former residence of the wealthy Tanaka merchant family. The family prospered from the middle of the Edo period onward, and their former home preserves a remarkable glimpse into the lifestyle and culture of a prosperous merchant household in premodern Japan. The museum occupies an expansive sit...»
Togura Kamiyamada Onsen is a historic hot spring destination in Chikuma, Nagano Prefecture. The name “Shinshu Togura Kamiyamada Onsen” collectively refers to the Togura and Kamiyamada hot spring areas on the left bank of the Chikuma River, together with the Shintogura Onsen area on the right bank. From its beginnings as a traditional hot spring retreat, the area developed into a lively resort town...»
Yonako Great Falls is a spectacular natural attraction in Yonako, Suzaka City, Nagano Prefecture. The site is famous for two impressive waterfalls, Gongen Falls and Fudo Falls, whose powerful vertical drops create one of the most striking waterfall landscapes in northern Nagano. Recognized as a National Place of Scenic Beauty and selected as one of the 100 Best Waterfalls in Japan, Yonako Great F...»
Iizuna Town is located in Kamiminochi District in northern Nagano Prefecture and is part of the Hokushin region. Surrounded by beautiful mountains and highland landscapes, the town offers a chance to experience the changing scenery of Japan's four distinct seasons. Iizuna is also one of Japan's major apple-producing areas. Its apples are part of the celebrated Shinshu apple tradition, with high-q...»
The Japanese Museum of Lighting is a unique cultural museum in Obuse, Nagano Prefecture, dedicated to the history and culture of “light” in Japanese life. Located in the courtyard of Chikufudo's main store, the museum introduces the many types of lighting devices that Japanese people used to illuminate their homes, shops, temples, and communities before modern electric lighting. For visitors from...»
The Obuse Museum & Nakajima Chinami Museum is an art museum in Obuse, Nagano Prefecture, created to promote local culture and introduce the beauty of art to visitors. The museum is particularly known for its collection of works by Chinami Nakajima, a celebrated Japanese-style painter born in Obuse, while also presenting exhibitions that explore the town's rich artistic and cultural heritage. ...»
Jokoji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple in Obuse, Nagano Prefecture, belonging to the Buzan school of Shingon Buddhism. Also affectionately known as “Tsumago Koyaku-shi”, the temple is especially famous for its Yakushido Hall, a designated Important Cultural Property of Japan. Surrounded by abundant nature, Jokoji offers a peaceful combination of history, Buddhist faith, traditional architect...»
Obuse Winery is a highly regarded winery in Obuse, Nagano Prefecture, known for producing distinctive, high-quality Japanese wines. Its story began in 1942, when founder Ichinojo Soga began making cider from locally grown apples. Over the decades, the winery evolved from fruit wine production to the cultivation of European grape varieties and the production of authentic wine. Today, Obuse Winery ...»
Takayama Village is a peaceful mountain community in northeastern Nagano Prefecture, surrounded by forests, high mountains, clear streams, and beautiful countryside. Known for its spectacular seasonal scenery and the Shinshu Takayama Hot Spring Village, Takayama offers travelers a chance to experience a quieter and more natural side of Nagano. The village stretches from the fertile plains borderi...»
Shinshu Takayama Hot Spring Village is the collective name for eight hot spring areas scattered along the Matsukawa Gorge in the central part of Takayama Village, in northern Nagano Prefecture. Each hot spring has its own source, mineral composition, water color, atmosphere, and surrounding scenery, making the area a rewarding destination for both onsen enthusiasts and nature lovers. From seclude...»
Yamada Onsen is the central hot spring resort of the Shinshu Takayama Hot Spring Village in Takayama Village, northern Nagano Prefecture. Nestled in a peaceful mountain setting surrounded by clear streams and forests, the resort combines a long history dating back to the Edo period with the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese hot spring town. Takayama Village was once part of the historic provin...»
Takayama Village in northern Nagano Prefecture is a peaceful mountain destination surrounded by forests, highlands, and beautiful winter scenery. During the snowy season, the village becomes a destination for skiing, snow play, and other winter activities, with two distinctive snow resorts offering very different experiences. Yamada Onsen Kids Snow Park is designed primarily for families and begi...»
The Matsukawa River flows through the mountainous landscapes of northern Nagano Prefecture before joining the Chikuma River. Rising in the mountains of Takayama Village and passing through Obuse Town and Suzaka City, it forms part of the Shinano River water system. The most scenic section is Matsukawa Gorge, a dramatic mountain valley famous throughout Japan for its spectacular autumn foliage. Th...»
Kaminari Falls is a spectacular waterfall in Takayama Village, Nagano Prefecture, where the Matsukawa River plunges through the dramatic landscape of Matsukawa Gorge. The waterfall is approximately 30 meters high and 5 meters wide, creating an impressive wall of rushing water, mist, and sound. Its powerful roar resembles the sound of thunder, which is reflected in its name, “Kaminari,” meaning th...»
Yataki Falls is a magnificent waterfall in Matsukawa Gorge in Takayama Village, Nagano Prefecture. With a total drop of approximately 180 meters, it is one of the most impressive natural sights in the region. True to its name, Yataki means “Eight Falls,” and the waterfall is characterized by a series of eight connected pools and cascading sections. Together, they create a remarkable landscape in ...»
Takayama Village's Five Great Cherry Trees refers to five magnificent single cherry trees scattered throughout Takayama Village in Nagano Prefecture. Estimated to be between 150 and 600 years old, these venerable trees have grown alongside the village's history and become an integral part of its rural landscape. Each tree was selected for its age, size, historical significance, and distinctive be...»
Issa Museum is a village-run registered museum in Takayama Village, Nagano Prefecture, dedicated to the life and literary legacy of Kobayashi Issa, one of the most celebrated haiku poets of the late Edo period. The museum's official name is Historical Park Shinshu Takayama: Issa's Village, while “Issa Museum” is the name by which it is commonly known. Its purpose is to preserve and introduce the ...»
Lake Nojiri is a beautiful natural lake in Shinano Town, Kamiminochi District, Nagano Prefecture. Located at an elevation of approximately 654 meters, the lake lies in a scenic highland landscape surrounded by the mountains of northern Nagano. The lake covers approximately 4.56 square kilometers, making it the second-largest natural lake in Nagano Prefecture after Lake Suwa. Its maximum depth rea...»
The Lake Nojiri Archaeological Sites are a remarkable group of prehistoric sites located around Lake Nojiri in Shinano Town, Nagano Prefecture. They extend across the lakebed, lakeshore, and surrounding hills, preserving traces of human activity dating from the Late Paleolithic period to the beginning of the Jomon period. Lake Nojiri lies at an elevation of approximately 654 meters between Mt. Ma...»
Mt. Kurohime is a graceful stratovolcano rising to 2,053 meters in Shinano Town, northern Nagano Prefecture. Its beautifully balanced shape has earned it the nickname “Shinano Fuji,” or the Mt. Fuji of the historic Shinano region, and the mountain has long been cherished by local residents. Mt. Kurohime is one of the Five Mountains of Northern Shinano, together with Mt. Madarao, Mt. Myoko, Mt. To...»
Naena Falls is a spectacular waterfall on the upper reaches of the Seki River, located on the border between Myoko City in Niigata Prefecture and Nagano Prefecture. The waterfall plunges approximately 55 meters, producing a powerful roar that has earned it the alternative name “Jishin Taki,” or “Earthquake Falls.” Naena Falls is also one of the waterfalls selected for Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls. ...»
Kurohime Fairy Tale Museum is a literary museum operated by Shinano Town in Nagano Prefecture. Opened in 1991, the museum is surrounded by the beautiful natural scenery of Kurohime Kogen, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience literature, art, and nature together. With “Fairy Tales of the World” as its central theme, the museum introduces children's literature, picture books, tradit...»
Myosenji Temple is a temple of the Honganji-ha school of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in Shinano Town, northern Nagano Prefecture. Its mountain name is Shuhokuzan, and its principal object of worship is a wooden standing statue of Amida Buddha. Quietly situated in the mountains of Shinano Town, Myosenji has a long and eventful history. The temple has survived religious changes, warfare, repeated relocat...»
Lake Nojiri Naumann Elephant Museum is a natural history museum in Shinano Town, Nagano Prefecture, dedicated to the Naumann elephant and the ancient environment of the Lake Nojiri region. The museum explores the changing natural environment and human history of the area from approximately 50,000 years ago to the present day. Its collections focus particularly on fossils discovered around Lake No...»
Shinano Town is a beautiful mountain town in northern Nagano Prefecture, bordering Niigata Prefecture. Surrounded by mountains, forests, lakes, and highlands, the town is one of the region’s most appealing destinations for travelers seeking nature, outdoor activities, and a slower pace of life. The town is best known for Lake Nojiri and Kurohime Highland, both of which offer a wide range of activ...»
Ogawa Village is a peaceful mountain village in northern Nagano Prefecture, located roughly halfway between Nagano City and Hakuba. Surrounded by forested mountains, deep valleys, and clear streams, the village is known for its beautiful rural landscapes and traditional way of life. Ogawa is particularly famous for its panoramic views of the Northern Japanese Alps. The scenery has been selected f...»
Kozanji Temple stands quietly amid the mountains of Ogawa Village in northern Nagano Prefecture. Belonging to the Buzan School of Shingon Buddhism, this historic temple is known by its mountain name, Hojuzan, and enshrines Shokannon Bosatsu, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, as its principal object of worship. Kozanji is the 33rd and final temple of the Shinano 33 Kannon Pilgrimage. Because it marks...»
Iwahana Cliffs is a striking natural landmark located along the Chikuma River near the border between Ueda City and Sakaki Town in Nagano Prefecture. The Chikuma River is the name used for the Shinano River within Nagano Prefecture, and here it flows between two imposing cliffs that face one another across the river. The cliff on the left bank is known as Hangai Iwahana, while the cliff on the ri...»
A Strategic Stronghold at the Heart of Sengoku Shinano Katsurao Castle was a mountain fortress located in what is now Sakaki Town, Nagano Prefecture. During Japan's Sengoku period, when regional warlords fought for control of the country, it served as the principal stronghold of the powerful Murakami clan. Located among mountains and overlooking important routes through northern Shinano, the cas...»
A Peaceful Retreat in the Mountains of Ueda Sugawako Lake is a tranquil mountain lake located in the Suwagata area of Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture. Surrounded by forests and mountains, it offers a peaceful escape from the city and a chance to enjoy the changing scenery of the Japanese countryside. The lake lies on the slopes of Mt. Komakiyama at an elevation of approximately 700 meters. It cover...»
Sakaki Town is located in northern Nagano Prefecture, at the meeting point of the Hokushin and Toshin regions. Surrounded by mountains and crossed from north to south by the Chikuma River, the town combines beautiful natural scenery with a long history, distinctive local cuisine, agriculture, and a strong tradition of manufacturing. Sakaki is part of Hanishina District and lies within the souther...»
Ueda City is located in eastern Nagano Prefecture and serves as the cultural, economic, and transportation center of the Toshin region. With a population and urban scale that make it one of Nagano Prefecture's major cities, Ueda offers a fascinating combination of samurai history, Buddhist temples, mountain scenery, hot springs, traditional food, and modern industry. The city is particularly famo...»
A Castle Famous for Strategy and Samurai History Ueda Castle is a historic flatland castle in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture. Construction began in 1583 under the command of Sanada Masayuki, one of the most skilled military leaders of Japan's Warring States period. The castle became famous for the remarkable victories of the Sanada clan against much larger Tokugawa forces. Today, the castle ruins ...»
Shinano Kokubunji Temple is a historic Tendai Buddhist temple in Kokubu, Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture. Its principal image is Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of healing and medicine. The temple carries on the legacy of the original Shinano Kokubunji, one of the provincial temples established throughout Japan by imperial order during the Nara period. It is also widely known as Yokado and is one of Ueda'...»
Ueda City Museum is a municipal museum located within Ueda Castle Ruins Park in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture. The museum introduces the history, culture, traditional industries, and natural heritage of the region, with a particular focus on Ueda Castle, the former Ueda Domain, and the castle town. For visitors exploring Ueda Castle, the museum offers an opportunity to look beyond the surviving wa...»
Shinano Omiya Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture. It is traditionally regarded as the former provincial grand shrine, or Sosha, of Shinano Province, where provincial governors are believed to have worshipped the major deities of the region. For centuries, the shrine has been revered as a guardian of the local community. During Japan's modern shrine-ranking system, ...»
Ikushima Tarushima Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Shimonogo, Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture. Traditionally regarded as the former provincial shrine, or Sōsha, of Shinano Province, it has been revered as an important guardian shrine since ancient times. The shrine is recorded in the Engishiki Jinmyōchō, a 10th-century compilation of Japan's important shrines, and was ranked among the prestigi...»
Jorakuji Temple is a historic Tendai Buddhist temple in the Bessho Onsen area of Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture. Known as a special head temple of the Tendai school, it has long been an important center of Buddhist faith and learning in the region. The temple's mountain name is Kongozan, and its principal object of worship is Myokanzechi Nyorai. Jorakuji is also known as the head temple of Kitamuki...»
Anrakuji Temple is a historic Zen temple in Bessho Onsen, Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture. Belonging to the Soto school of Zen Buddhism, it is traditionally regarded as the oldest Zen temple in Nagano Prefecture. The temple is known by the mountain name Sofukuzan and the temple name Gokoku-in, and its principal object of worship is Shaka Nyorai, the Buddha Shakyamuni. The temple's greatest treasure...»
Zensanji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located at the foot of Mt. Tokko in Maeyama, Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture. It belongs to the Chisan school of Shingon Buddhism, and its principal object of worship is Dainichi Nyorai, the Buddha who represents the universal truth at the heart of Buddhist teachings. The temple is also known by the mountain name Tokkosan or Dokkozān. Standing at the sou...»
A Historic Thatched-Roof Temple in the “Kamakura of Shinshu” Chuzenji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Maeyama, Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture. It belongs to the Chisan School of Shingon Buddhism and is traditionally known by the mountain name Ryuo-zan and the temple name Enmeiin. Surrounded by the beautiful landscape of Shioda Plain at the foot of Mt. Tokko, the temple has long been...»
A Legendary Hot Spring Town Surrounded by History and Tradition Bessho Onsen is a historic hot spring resort located at an elevation of approximately 570 meters in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture. Known as one of the oldest hot spring resorts in Shinshu, the region has been associated with healing waters since ancient times. According to local legend, the hot springs were discovered by Yamato Taker...»
A Peaceful Hot Spring Retreat Surrounded by Nature and Tradition Kakeyu Onsen is a historic hot spring resort located in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture. Nestled along the clear waters of the Uchimura River, the resort is surrounded by mountains and forests, creating a peaceful atmosphere far from the bustle of major cities. Kakeyu has long been known as a destination for toji, the traditional Japa...»
A Peaceful Hidden Gem Surrounded by Nature and History Reisenji Onsen is a small and secluded hot spring resort nestled in the mountains of Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture. Surrounded by forests and mountain scenery, this quiet destination offers a traditional atmosphere where nature, history, and hot spring culture come together. Unlike larger Japanese hot spring resorts, Reisenji Onsen has very f...»
A Museum Dedicated to the Literature of Shotaro Ikenami and the Sanada Clan The Ikenami Shotaro Sanada Taiheiki Museum is a literary museum in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture, dedicated primarily to Sanada Taiheiki, a historical novel by renowned Japanese author Shotaro Ikenami. The novel tells the dramatic story of the Sanada clan, a powerful samurai family active during Japan's turbulent Sengoku p...»
A Rare Museum Dedicated to the Art of Woodcarving The Ozawa Woodcarving Museum is a specialized museum in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture, dedicated to the art and culture of woodcarving. One of the few museums in Japan devoted specifically to this art form, it introduces visitors to the beauty of hand-carved wood through an extensive collection created by Chiharu Ozawa and his son Toshiharu Ozawa. ...»
Discover the Artistic Heritage and Creative Spirit of Ueda The Ueda City Museum of Art is a cultural and artistic center in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture. It introduces visitors to the region's rich artistic heritage while providing spaces where local residents and artists can create, exhibit, and experience art. The museum's history is closely connected with Kanae Yamamoto, a pioneering Western-...»
A Memorial Museum for Student Artists Lost in World War II Mugonkan is a unique art museum in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture, dedicated to the works and memories of young student artists who lost their lives during World War II. Opened in 1997 through the efforts of museum founder Seichiro Kubo, it is both an art museum and a place of remembrance. The museum does not simply present paintings as wo...»
Where the Afterglow of Their Art Lives On KAITA EPITAPH Zanshōkan is an art museum located in Maeyama, Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture. Opened in 2020, the museum carries on the spirit and collection of the former Shinano Dessin Museum, creating a new space where the art and memory of artists who died young can continue to be experienced. Set quietly in the mountains of Ueda, the museum offers visi...»
Discover How Fire and Light Shaped Everyday Life in Japan The Takeshi Tomoshibi Museum in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture, is a unique museum dedicated to the history and culture of traditional lighting. Its collection includes a wide variety of objects such as oil lamps, candle holders, lanterns, and other lighting devices, offering an insight into how people used fire and light in everyday life be...»
A Spacious Mountain Resort for Skiers and Snowboarders of All Levels Sugadaira Kogen Snow Resort is a historic ski resort located in the scenic highlands of Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture, in the area formerly known as Sanada Town. Opened in January 1928, it has welcomed skiers for generations and is now widely known as Sugadaira Kogen Snow Resort. The resort is made up of several interconnected s...»
A Local Specialty Born in Ueda Oidadare Yakitori is a distinctive local specialty from Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture. Unlike ordinary yakitori, in which grilled chicken is typically brushed with sauce or seasoned before serving, Oidadare Yakitori is enjoyed with a rich soy sauce-based sauce containing plenty of grated garlic. The freshly grilled chicken skewers are either dipped into the sauce or...»
A City Where History, Mountain Scenery, and Local Culture Meet Komoro City is a historic city in eastern Nagano Prefecture. Located in the highlands of eastern Shinshu, the city is surrounded by mountains and blessed with dramatic landscapes, historic sites, traditional culture, hot springs, and locally produced food and wine. Komoro became a municipality in 1954. During the Edo period (1603–186...»
A Prestigious Edo-Period Lodging and Transportation Facility The Former Komoro Honjin stands in the historic Komoro Post Town along the old Hokkoku Kaido in Komoro City, Nagano Prefecture. Dating from the Edo period (1603–1868), the building served both as a honjin, a prestigious lodging facility for high-ranking travelers, and a tonya-ba, an administrative station responsible for managing transp...»
Historic Castle Ruins in the Heart of Komoro Komoro Castle is a historic castle site in Komoro City, Nagano Prefecture. Once located in the former Saku District of Shinano Province, the castle played an important role in the history of the region from the Sengoku period through the Edo period. Komoro Castle is also known by several distinctive names, including Kaigetsu Castle, Anajo (“Sunken Cas...»
A Glimpse into the World of Edo-Period Travelers Komoro Post Town Honjin Omoya is a historic building associated with Komoro Post Town, which flourished along the Hokkoku Kaido during the Edo period. Together with the nearby Former Komoro Honjin, it preserves an important part of the history of the highway and the post town that once welcomed daimyo, court nobles, and high-ranking samurai traveli...»
Preserving the Spirit of a Pioneering Private School The Komoro Gijuku Memorial Museum is a historical museum in Komoro City, Nagano Prefecture. The building is a reconstructed main school building of Komoro Gijuku, a private school that operated during the Meiji period. After being relocated and restored, it opened as a museum in 1994. The museum introduces the history of Komoro Gijuku through ...»
A Relaxing Green Space Centered Around Otomeko Pond...»
Where Art, Architecture, History, and Mountain Scenery Come Together The Komoro Kogen Museum of Art and Shirotori Eisetsu Museum is a municipal art museum located near the summit of Mt. Iizunayama in the northwestern part of Komoro City, Nagano Prefecture. Opened on October 7, 1998, the museum was established as a center for promoting the arts and bringing together the cultural heritage of the lo...»
A Peaceful Highland Retreat in the Mountains of Komoro Hishino Onsen is a quiet hot spring resort tucked away in the mountains of Komoro City, Nagano Prefecture. Located at an elevation of approximately 1,000 meters, the area is surrounded by fresh mountain air, forests, and beautiful seasonal scenery. With the mountains around Mt. Asama forming the backdrop, Hishino Onsen offers a peaceful atmo...»
A Secluded Retreat Surrounded by the Silence of Nature Takamine Onsen is a secluded hot spring destination in Hishidaira, Komoro City, Nagano Prefecture. Located at an elevation of approximately 2,000 meters in the Takamine Highlands, the hot spring is surrounded by the pristine natural environment of Joshin'etsukogen National Park. With clear mountain air, vast highland scenery, and an atmosphe...»
A Sacred Mountain Temple Where History and Nature Meet Nunobiki Kannon, formally known as Nunobikisan Shakson-ji Temple, is a historic Tendai Buddhist temple in Komoro City, Nagano Prefecture. The temple is dedicated to Shō-Kanzeon Bosatsu, the Sacred Kannon, and is the 29th temple on the Shinano Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage, a traditional pilgrimage route devoted to Kannon, the Buddhist bodhis...»
Komoro City Zoo is a municipal zoo located in Komoro, Nagano Prefecture, within the historic grounds of Kaikoen Garden. Established in 1926, it is known as the oldest zoo in Nagano Prefecture. Although relatively compact in size, the zoo offers visitors the chance to encounter a wide variety of animals in a friendly and accessible setting....»
A Memorial Museum Dedicated to One of Japan's Leading Modern Writers Komoro City Toson Memorial Museum is a literary museum located within Kaikoen in Komoro City, Nagano Prefecture. The museum commemorates the life and literary achievements of Toson Shimazaki, one of Japan's most influential poets and novelists of the modern era. Designed by renowned Japanese architect Yoshiro Taniguchi, the mus...»
Art, Architecture, and the Spirit of Komoro The Keizo Koyama Museum of Art is located in the scenic grounds of Kaikoen in Komoro City, Nagano Prefecture. The museum is dedicated to Keizo Koyama, one of the leading Japanese Western-style painters of the Showa era, and preserves his artistic legacy for future generations. The museum building was designed by renowned Japanese architect Togo Murano ...»
Kaiko Shrine is located in the heart of Kaikoen, the park surrounding the former site of Komoro Castle in Komoro City, Nagano Prefecture. The shrine stands on what was once the castle's main compound, or honmaru, making it a unique place where visitors can experience the history of Komoro through both its castle ruins and religious traditions. Surrounded by the seasonal beauty of Kaikoen, the shr...»
Saku City is a scenic city in eastern Nagano Prefecture, located in the Tōshin region near the border with Gunma Prefecture. The city stretches across the Saku Basin at an elevation of around 700 meters, surrounded by mountains including Mount Asama, Mount Arafune, and the mountains of the Yatsugatake and Tateshina areas. The eastern and southern parts of Saku are blessed with beautiful highland ...»
An-yoji Temple is a historic Rinzai Zen temple in Yasuhara, Saku City, Nagano Prefecture. Belonging to the Myoshinji school of Rinzai Buddhism, the temple is officially known as Horinzan An-yoji. Surrounded by the peaceful scenery of the Saku Basin, An-yoji has long served as an important center of local Buddhist faith. Its grounds contain historic buildings, cultural treasures, and fascinating l...»
Ryuunji Temple is a historic Soto Zen temple located in Iwamurada, Saku City, Nagano Prefecture. Its mountain name is Otazan, and its principal Buddhist image is the Eleven-Headed Kannon, a form of the bodhisattva of compassion. Quietly situated amid the historic landscape of the Saku Basin, Ryuunji has played an important role in the area's religious and cultural history for centuries. The templ...»
Teishoji Temple is a historic Soto Zen temple in Maeyama, Saku City, Nagano Prefecture. Its mountain name is Dogenzan. Surrounded by quiet natural scenery, the temple has long been a place of Buddhist faith and meditation, and is counted among the 100 Historic Temples of Shinshu. The peaceful grounds are home to impressive historic buildings, stone monuments, and old trees. Together, they create ...»
The Former Nakagomi School is a historic schoolhouse in Nakagomi, Saku City, Nagano Prefecture. Built in the early years of the Meiji period, it is one of Japan's notable examples of giyofu architecture, a style that combined traditional Japanese construction techniques with Western architectural ideas. The building is designated as a National Important Cultural Property and Historic Site. More t...»
Komagata Shrine stands in Tsukahara, Saku City, Nagano Prefecture. With a history rooted deep in the medieval period, the shrine is home to a remarkably preserved Muromachi-period main sanctuary, recognized for its architectural and historical importance as a National Important Cultural Property. Surrounded by greenery and a quiet atmosphere, Komagata Shrine offers visitors a glimpse into the rel...»
Shinkai Sansha Shrine stands in Miyashiro, Taguchi, Saku City, Nagano Prefecture. Also known as Shinkai Shrine, it has long been one of the most important places of worship in the Saku region. Once regarded as the principal shrine of Saku District, the shrine attracted widespread devotion and was also ranked as a former prefectural shrine in modern times. Its traditional crest, featuring a paulow...»
Tatsuoka Castle is a remarkable historic site in Taguchi, Saku City, Nagano Prefecture. Built during the final years of the Edo period, it is famous for its unusual five-pointed star-shaped fortress design, known in Japanese as a goryokaku or bastion-style fortification. Japan has only two surviving examples of this distinctive star-shaped fortress design: Tatsuoka Castle in Nagano and the much l...»