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 was originally built as Fukashi Castle during the Eisho Era (1504-1520) of the Warring States Period.It is designated as a National Treasure as one of the existing castle towers, and the castle ruins are designated as a National Historic Site. Only five castles have been designated as national treasures; the others are Himeji Castle, Inuyama Castle, Hikone Castle, and Matsue Cast...»
Kamikochi is one of Japan's leading mountain resorts at an elevation of approximately 1,500 meters, overlooking the Hotaka mountain range in the Northern Alps. It is a magnificent natural scenic spot spreading in the highlands of the upper reaches of the Azusa River in the southern Hida Mountains. It is part of the Chubu-Sangaku National Park and is designated as a national cultural asset (specia...»
Zenkoji Temple is said to have been founded in 644, long before Buddhism was divided into various sects.Known since the Heian period (794-1192) as a temple for women's salvation, it has attracted many worshippers since that time. By the end of the Edo period (1603-1867), it was believed that a pilgrimage to Zenkoji Temple should be made at least once in one's lifetime, and that a visit to the tem...»
This is the headquarters of Suwa Shrine, which has about 25,000 shrines throughout Japan. Formerly known as "Suwa Shrine," it is also called "Suwa-sama," "Suwa-daimyojin," and other names. Suwa Shrine has existed so long that it is considered one of the oldest shrines in Japan. Four fir tree pillars called "go-bashira" are erected at the four corners of the shrine pavilions, and the layout of the...»
The waterfall is like a veil of cascading water, with numerous streams of fresh water flowing down like countless drops of white thread. A 150-meter walk from the parking lot along the promenade along the clear Yugawa River reveals a beautiful view of water cascading down like a veil in a gentle curve, 70 meters wide. Because there is no river upstream and the water gushes from the bedrock of Mt...»
This is the only facility in the world where you can observe wild Japanese monkeys bathing in hot springs up close. Located at the far end of the Jigokudani hot springs in the valley of the Yokoyu River, which originates in the Shiga Kogen Plateau, a troop of over 100 monkeys lives in the vicinity. The humorous sight of monkeys warming themselves in a special open-air bath during cold weather is...»
Narai-juku is a post town that prospered with many travelers passing through on the Nakasendo, a highway connecting Edo and Kyoto. It was the 34th of the 69 Nakasendo inns and the most prosperous of the 11 Kiso inns, and was known as "Narai Senken. It is located at the highest elevation of 900 meters among the 11 inns on the Kiso Road, and consists of three districts: Uemachi, Naka-machi, and Sh...»
Tsumagojuku was the 42nd stop on the Nakasendo Highway connecting Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto (Kyoto Prefecture).Tsumagojuku was the first inn in Japan to preserve the townscape, and the rows of Edo period houses that remain along the road offer a taste of the atmosphere of that era.The town was selected as one of the first sites in Japan to be included in the Important Preservation Districts for Groups...»
The largest lake in Nagano Prefecture, Suwa Lake is 759 meters above sea level and has a circumference of about 15.9 km.The lakeside area has a park and jogging path,Canoeing, wakasagi fishing, sightseeing boats, and amphibious sightseeing buses can be enjoyed on the lake. The Suwa Lake Festival Fireworks Display is held on Suwa Lake on August 15, and is one of the largest fireworks displays in J...»
Togakushi Shrine consists of five shrines located at the foot of Mt. The five shrines are Okusha, Naka-sha, Hogo-sha, Kutouryu-sha, and Hinomiko-sha, and visitors can tour the five shrines along the Togakushi Ancient Trail. According to legend, Kutouryuu no Mikami, the local deity of the area, welcomed Amaterikio-no-Mikoto to the shrine. Sacred SitesSince the Heian period (794-1185), Togakushiy...»
The Shibu Onsen was discovered in the Nara period (710-794), and is part of the Yudanaka-Shibu Hot Spring Village.There are 35 ryokans and 9 out-spa bathhouses, and as many as 37 sources. All of the springs are hot, with temperatures ranging from 60 to 90°C, and each source has different qualities and benefits. The wooden buildings along the river and the cobblestone streets of the hot spring re...»
This wooden suspension bridge spans the Azusa River in Kamikochi.It is a symbol of Kamikochi with a spectacular view of the Azusa River and mountains such as Mt. The bridge, 37 meters long, 3.1 meters wide, and 36.6 meters long, is made of larch and was first built in 1891.It is located at an elevation of approximately 1,500 meters in the Central Mountain National Park. Kappa Bridge was mentione...»
Norikura Kogen is a cool plateau stretching from 1,100 to 1,800 meters above sea level at the foot of the eastern mountains of Mt. The plateau is surrounded by beautiful larch and birch forests, creating a tranquil, bright image of Switzerland. There are more than 100 lodging facilities, including inns, pensions, and guest houses, as well as many restaurants, soba noodle stores, souvenir shops, ...»
Taisho Pond is a popular scenic spot in Kamikochi. It was formed when Yakidake, an active volcano, erupted in 1915 and the Azusa River was dammed up by a mudflow. The pond is surrounded by dead trees, and the view of the Hotaka mountain range and dead trees on the surface of the lake is unique to Kamikochi.It is designated as a national special scenic beauty spot and a special natural monument. ...»
The world's largest ropeway with a capacity of 166 passengers takes you through the clouds to the top of Ryuohsan (Mt. Ryuoh) at an altitude of 1,770 meters.Ryuoh at an elevation of 1,770 meters. The panoramic view spreads out before you.The panoramic view extends as far as the Northern Alps and Mount Myoko below. In summer, Ryuoh Marsh is a popular tourist destination as a place to experience al...»
Shirakone Onsen is a quiet hot spring village located in the valley of Yugawa River at the foot of Mount Norikura in the Northern Alps (about 1,400 meters above sea level).It is known for its milky white water with a silky feel. The hot spring is said to have a history of more than 600 years, and is effective for gastrointestinal disorders, nervous disorders, women's diseases, and chronic fatigue...»
The Hokusai Museum is a museum where visitors can view original paintings by the world-famous ukiyo-e artist of the late Edo period, Katsushika Hokusai. Katsushika Hokusai was a painting fanatic who moved to Obuse, Nagano Prefecture 93 times. The two ceiling paintings of dragons and phoenixes on the Kamimachi and Higashimachi festival floats, which Katsushika Hokusai painted in response to a req...»
The Azumino Chihiro Art Museum is one of the world's largest picture book museums, exhibiting the works of Chihiro Iwasaki, a picture book artist who continued to draw various expressions of children throughout her life, and other picture book artists from around the world. In addition to Chihiro Iwasaki's masterpieces, picture book originals, drawings, and sketches, the museum also exhibits work...»
The world's largest ropeway with a capacity of 166 passengers takes you through the clouds to the summit of Ryuoh Mountain at an altitude of 1,770 meters for an 8-minute flight.The panoramic view spreads out before you.The panoramic view extends as far as the Northern Alps and Mount Myoko below. In summer, Ryuoh Marsh is a popular tourist destination as a place to experience alpine flora and vari...»
Located at an elevation of 1,416 meters above sea level with a view of the Yatsugatake mountain range, the lake has a circumference of about 3.8 kilometers and an area of about 36 hectares.The lakeside is dotted with leisure land, museums, day spa facilities, ski resorts, hotels, and stores, making it a resort area. It is a man-made heated reservoir built to secure water for agricultural use, and...»
"Myojin-ike Pond, also called "Kagami-ike" or "Shin-ike" in olden times, is a Shinto sanctuary on the grounds of the inner shrine of Hotaka Shrine, located on the far side of Kamikochi. From Kappa-bashi Bridge, walk upstream on the Azusa River and it takes about an hour to get there. Ichino-ike and Nino-ike are two large and two small ponds, and char, mallard ducks, mandarin ducks, and other bir...»
Yudanaka Onsen has a long history, dating back to the 7th century. The haiku poet Kobayashi Issa loved this area and left many works. The area is divided into five districts: Yudanaka, Shinyutanaka, Hoshikawa, Honami, and Yashiro. Each district has many sources, and each source has different qualities and benefits, so visitors can enjoy a variety of hot springs. There are about 40 lodging facili...»
This is the headquarters of Suwa Shrine, which has about 25,000 shrines throughout Japan. Formerly known as "Suwa Shrine," it is also called "Suwa-sama," "Suwa-daimyojin," and other names. Suwa Shrine has existed for so long that it is considered one of the oldest shrines in Japan. Four fir tree pillars called "go-bashira" are erected at the four corners of the shrine pavilions, and the layout of...»
This is the headquarters of Suwa Shrine, which has about 25,000 shrines throughout Japan. Formerly known as "Suwa Shrine," it is also called "Suwa-sama," "Suwa-daimyojin," etc. Suwa Shrine has existed for so long that it is considered one of the oldest shrines in Japan. Four fir tree pillars called "go-bashira" are erected at the four corners of the shrine pavilions, and the layout of the pavilio...»
This is the headquarters of Suwa Shrine, which has about 25,000 shrines throughout Japan.Formerly known as "Suwa Shrine," it is also called "Suwa-sama" or "Suwa-daimyojin. Suwa Shrine has existed so long that it is considered one of the oldest shrines in Japan. Four fir tree pillars called "go-bashira" are erected at the four corners of the shrine pavilions, and the layout of the pavilions also h...»
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is one of the world's most magnificent mountain sightseeing routes, with a total length of 37.2 km, connecting Ogisawa Station in Omachi, Shinshu, to Tateyama Station in Toyama, on the Sea of Japan, over the Northern Alps. From Tateyama Station to Ogisawa Station, the route is almost a straight line distance of 25 km from west to east, with a maximum height differ...»
Located in the rich nature of Karuizawa, this church features a triangular building with the warmth of wood.Every weekend, a powerful gospel chorus performed by Kwaiya is presented at the worship service. Together with the adjacent Hoshino Resort Karuizawa area, the church holds Christmas and other events.The "Christmas Candle Night" is held to light candles and create a romantic atmosphere on th...»
Ontake is a 3,067-meter-high volcano, the second highest independent mountain in Japan after Mt. Ontake can be enjoyed throughout the four seasons for hiking, mountain climbing, and winter sports.It is selected as one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan, one of the 100 most famous mountains in New Japan, and one of the 100 most famous mountains for flowers. It has a characteristic trapezoi...»
The park covers an area of approximately 53,500 square meters with a view of the tranquil countryside and the Northern Alps.Within the park, there is "Totto-chan Plaza" where visitors can experience the world of Totto-chan, "Patzowsker Garden," a work of art that can be touched and felt, and the Azumino Chihiro Art Museum, as well as a hands-on farm and wooded area where children and adults can fu...»
Takashima Castle was once known as "Suwa no Ukijo," an impregnable castle.This water castle juts out into Lake Suwa and is one of the three largest lake castles in Japan, as it was also known as a floating castle. It was built on the shore of Lake Suwa between 1592 and 1598.It was built between 1592 and 1598 on the shore of Lake Suwa, with eight turrets, six gates, and a three-story castle tower ...»
Located at an elevation of more than 2,000 meters above sea level, the Utsukushi-ga-hara Highlands Art Museum is an outdoor sculpture museum with contemporary sculptures laid out outdoors in a vast expanse of grasslands. Approximately 350 contemporary sculptures created by renowned artists from Japan and abroad are constantly on display on the plateau, which offers a 360-degree panoramic view of ...»
Michi-no-Eki Utsukushigahara Kogen (Michi-no-Eki: Utsukushigahara Plateau) is located 2000 meters above sea level, making it the highest roadside station in Japan. It offers a wonderful view toward the Northern Alps and Mt. Sakuhira Asama, and sometimes you may even experience a sea of clouds. It is adjacent to the Utsukushi-ga-hara Open-Air Museum and has an entrance to the museum. After enjoyi...»
Utsukushigahara is a plateau located in the northwestern part of Yatsugatake Chushin Kogen National Park and stretches across Matsumoto City, Ueda City, and Nagawa Town, Ogasawara County, Nagano Prefecture. It has been selected as one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan. Utsukushi-ga-hara Plateau is located in the northernmost part of the Yatsugatake Chushin Highlands National Park and is t...»
Utsukushigahara Onsen is located on the outskirts of Matsumoto City, 800 meters above sea level at the foot of the Utsukushigahara Plateau. It is several kilometers away from Utsukushi-ga-hara Plateau in a straight line. It is a historic hot spring resort, and the old townscape still remains. As for public bathhouses, "Shiraito no Yu" exists. History Utsukushigahara Onsen has a long history and...»
This is a free sightseeing mountain road that offers spectacular views of the plateau. It is especially ideal for driving in summer, when the scenery is filled with beautiful alpine flora. The 76-kilometer drive route runs from Chino City in Nagano Prefecture to Utsukushi-ga-hara Plateau in Ueda City. Driving along the Venus Line, it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach Utsukushi-ga-hara Ko...»
Located in the northeastern part of Matsumoto City in the center of Shinshu (Nagano Prefecture), Asama Onsen is a hot spring resort known as the "back seat" of Matsumoto. The mountains of the Northern Alps can be seen to the west. It is a 10-minute drive to Matsumoto Castle and the castle town for strolling, and is also a good base for sightseeing to Azumino and other areas. The hot spring boast...»
"Togakushi soba" refers to soba from Togakushi, Nagano City in Nagano Prefecture. There are some rules to be called "Togakushi soba" - soba should be made with hikigurumi (whole soba flour) and dished out in bundles shaped like a hoof on a plate, Togashi daikon has to be used for a condiment, and the tempura made of the local sansai (mountain vegetables) should be served on the side. As it is said...»
Soba noodles are produced by mixing soba (buckwheat) and regular flour, adding water, mixing, kneading, rolling and cutting. As a general rule, only noodles containing 40% or more soba flour can carry the Shinshu name. The Shinshu region has long been known for its soba, which grows well in the high, cool climate. Soba festivals are still held all over Nagano prefecture, with the Matsumoto Soba Fe...»
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....»
Iroha-do, a long-established business founded in 1925 in Nagano Prefecture, operates a store with a factory. Here, visitors can enjoy the sale of their special oyaki, observe the oyaki production process, and try their hand at making oyaki. There is also a café and a store where visitors can enjoy doughnuts made from oyaki dough and ice cream sandwiches made with grain-an oyaki. In addition, visit...»
The main store, winery, restaurant, chapel, and vineyard of St. Cousair are located on a hill with a beautiful view in the town of Iizuna in northern Nagano Prefecture. The vineyard grows mainly Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet, and Pinot Noir, and wine is made from grapes grown in the company's own vineyards. Tours of the vineyards and the winery are available. In the winery restaurant, visitors ca...»