Togura-Kamiyamada Onsen: A Historic Hot Spring Resort
More Than a Century of Hot Spring Tradition
The area spanning the former Togura and Kamiyamada towns is famous for Togura-Kamiyamada Onsen, one of the city’s best-known attractions.
The hot spring resort opened during the Meiji period and has a history of more than 100 years. It traditionally served as a place where pilgrims visiting Zenkoji Temple could relax and enjoy a hot spring cure after completing their pilgrimage. This practice was known as shojin-otoshi, literally marking the end of the period of religious restraint associated with pilgrimage.
The quality of the spring water, variety of traditional Japanese inns, and nostalgic atmosphere of the hot spring town continue to attract visitors. Strolling through the streets, bathing in the hot springs, and staying overnight at a ryokan offer an opportunity to experience an important part of Japanese bathing culture.
Chikuma’s Ancient History
The Hanishina Kofun Burial Mounds
The area around the former Sarashina City has played an important role since ancient times. During the Kofun period, it is believed to have been the territory of the Shinano Kuni no Miyatsuko, an ancient local administrative authority.
The area is also home to the Hanishina Kofun Burial Mounds, a group of ancient burial tombs centered around Mori Shogunzuka Kofun on Mt. Ariakeyama. The tomb is one of the largest keyhole-shaped burial mounds in eastern Japan and provides valuable evidence of the political power and culture of ancient Shinano.
An Important Center of Shinano Government
By the middle of the Heian period, a provincial government office is believed to have existed in the area. Later, during the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, the Funayama Shugo-sho was established here.
These developments demonstrate the area’s long-standing importance as a strategic center for governing Shinano Province. Its location along the Chikuma River and major transportation routes helped shape its role throughout Japanese history.
Inariyama-juku: A Historic Transportation Hub
A Major Post Town on the Zenkoji Kaido
During the Edo period, Inariyama-juku developed into the largest post town on the Zenkoji Kaido. The town stood at an important crossroads where the Hokkoku Kaido and Hokkoku Nishi Kaido met, while the Matsushiro Road, also known as the Tanigai Kaido, branched off from the Zenkoji Kaido.
Because of this strategic location, Inariyama flourished as a center of transportation and commerce. During the Meiji period, it developed into one of the leading commercial centers in northern Nagano.
A Transportation Hub Even Today
The area’s importance as a transportation center continues into the modern era. The Koshoku Junction connects the Nagano Expressway and Joshin-etsu Expressway, providing convenient access to destinations throughout Nagano and beyond.
This combination of historic roads and modern highways makes Chikuma a convenient base for exploring northern Nagano.
The “Village of Apricots”
Spring Blossoms in Mori
One of Chikuma’s most famous seasonal attractions is the Apricot Village in the Mori district. Apricot trees were planted here by Matsushiro Domain during the Edo period, and the area has developed into one of Nagano’s best-known apricot-growing landscapes.
In spring, the hillsides are covered with delicate pink and white apricot blossoms. The combination of flowering orchards, rural scenery, and surrounding mountains creates a spectacular landscape that attracts many visitors.
Walking through the orchards during blossom season is an especially enjoyable way to experience the countryside and the agricultural heritage of northern Shinshu.
Obasute: A Famous Land of Moon Viewing
Terraced Rice Fields and the Legendary Moon
Obasute, associated with Mt. Kammuriki, also known as Mt. Obasute, is one of the most celebrated scenic areas in Chikuma. The area has been admired for centuries as a place for moon viewing and is traditionally regarded as one of Japan’s finest places to appreciate the full moon.
The scenery around Obasute has been praised in Japanese poetry since the Heian period. The moon rising above the terraced rice fields has become an enduring symbol of the landscape and an important part of Japanese literary and cultural heritage.
Obasute Rice Terraces
The Obasute Rice Terraces are recognized as a National Important Cultural Landscape, a Place of Scenic Beauty, and one of Japan’s 100 Selected Rice Terraces. Obasute is also counted among the three great moon-viewing locations in Japan.
The many small rice paddies follow the contours of the hills, creating a distinctive agricultural landscape. At certain times of year, water-filled terraces reflect the sky and moonlight, producing the famous scenery that has inspired generations of artists and poets.
Obasute Station and the View from the Railway
Obasute Station is another attraction for travelers interested in scenery and railways. The station is famous for its spectacular panoramic views and is included among Japan’s Three Great Train Window Views.
It has also been ranked second nationwide among stations people would like to visit. The station’s elevated position provides a remarkable view over the Chikuma River basin and surrounding mountains.
Obasute Service Area
For travelers driving through the region, the Obasute Service Area is another excellent viewpoint. It is known as one of Japan’s selected 100 Best Night Views, offering particularly impressive views after sunset.
Mountains, Parks, and Panoramic Viewpoints
Mt. Kammuriki
Mt. Kammuriki rises above the Chikuma landscape and is closely associated with the traditional name “Mt. Obasute.” The mountain and its surrounding trails offer opportunities for hiking while providing broad views over the Chikuma River basin.
Chikuma River View Park
Chikuma River View Park is another scenic location where visitors can appreciate the relationship between the river, mountains, and settlements that has shaped the history of the region.
Hijiriyama Highlands Prefectural Park
Part of the surrounding highland area is included in Hijiriyama Highlands Prefectural Park. The park provides opportunities to enjoy forests, mountains, lakes, and seasonal outdoor activities, complementing Chikuma’s historic attractions with a rich natural environment.
Sarashina no Sato View Pavilion
Sarashina no Sato View Pavilion offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. There is also a soba restaurant, making it a convenient place to combine local cuisine with sightseeing.
Castles and Historic Sites
Mori Shogunzuka Kofun
Mori Shogunzuka Kofun, part of the Hanishina Kofun Burial Mounds, is designated as a National Historic Site. Its enormous keyhole-shaped form reflects the social and political power of ancient communities in the region.
Arato Castle
Arato Castle, now preserved as part of Shiroyama Historic Park, is a mountain castle site associated with the turbulent Sengoku period. The remains offer an opportunity to explore the defensive landscapes that once played an important role in regional warfare.
Other Mountain Castle Sites
Chikuma is surrounded by numerous former mountain castles and fortifications, including Yashiro Castle, Niyu Castle, Iriyama Castle, Ryuozu Castle, Washio Castle, Kosaka Castle, and Sanoyama Castle.
Although many survive mainly as archaeological remains and traces in the landscape, together they demonstrate the strategic importance of Chikuma during the Sengoku period.
Shrines and Temples
Takefumizuwake Shrine
Takefumizuwake Shrine is one of the area’s important historic shrines and has long been associated with the religious life of the region.
Chorakuji Temple
Chorakuji Temple is another historic Buddhist temple that forms part of Chikuma’s rich religious heritage. Its connection with the Obasute area makes it particularly interesting for visitors exploring the region’s traditional culture.
Other Historic Religious Sites
Other temples and shrines include Omiya Shrine, Kanryuji Temple, and Chosenji Temple. Chosenji’s principal image is designated as an Important Cultural Work by the former Ministry of Education, reflecting the artistic and historical value of the temple’s Buddhist heritage.
Zenkoji Daihongan’s branch temple is also located in the city, near Arato Castle, providing another connection between Chikuma and the long religious tradition of Zenkoji pilgrimage.
Museums and Cultural Facilities
Nagano Prefectural Museum of History
The Nagano Prefectural Museum of History introduces the history and archaeology of Nagano Prefecture, making it an excellent place to gain a broader understanding of the cultural background behind Chikuma’s many historic sites.
Mori Shogunzuka Kofun Museum
The Mori Shogunzuka Kofun Museum focuses on the ancient burial mound and the surrounding Hanishina Kofun Burial Mounds. Exhibits help visitors understand the people, technology, and society of ancient Shinano.
Sarashina no Sato History Museum
The Sarashina no Sato History Museum introduces the local history and traditional culture of the Sarashina area, complementing visits to the historic townscape and surrounding landscapes.
Art Machikado and Anzu Hall
Art Machikado provides a space for local artistic and cultural activities, while Chikuma City Koshoku Cultural Hall, including Anzu Hall and the Small Hall, serves as a venue for performances and community events.
A City Where History, Nature, and Hot Springs Come Together
Chikuma City is a destination where thousands of years of history coexist with beautiful mountain scenery and a living tradition of hot spring culture. Ancient burial mounds reveal the power of early Shinano societies, historic post towns recall the days of travelers and merchants, and traditional temples and shrines preserve centuries of religious heritage.
At the same time, the city’s natural landscapes provide a completely different experience. The Apricot Village bursts into bloom in spring, the Chikuma River flows through the heart of the region, and the terraced rice fields of Obasute create one of Nagano’s most memorable rural landscapes.
A stay at Togura-Kamiyamada Onsen adds another dimension to a visit, allowing travelers to experience traditional Japanese hot spring culture in a historic resort town.
Discover the Many Faces of Chikuma
From ancient archaeological sites and Sengoku-era castle ruins to historic highways, hot springs, flower-filled orchards, and celebrated moon-viewing landscapes, Chikuma City offers an unusually rich variety of experiences within one destination.
Travelers can follow the footsteps of pilgrims and merchants through old post towns, admire the moon above the Obasute rice terraces, relax in a traditional hot spring, or explore the mountains and rivers surrounding the city.
For visitors exploring northern Nagano, Chikuma is a rewarding destination where history and nature are woven together into a landscape that continues to inspire travelers, artists, and residents alike.