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. Or...»
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 mo...»
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 ...»
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...»
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 whit...»
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 spri...»
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 Kisoj...»
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. ...»
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 a...»
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, C...»
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 On...»
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 th...»
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 peak...»
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...»
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 ...»
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 su...»
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 i...»
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 c...»
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 ta...»
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 ...»
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 h...»
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...»
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 particu...»
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 consider...»
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 ...»
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...»
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 ...»
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. Mo...»
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 ...»
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 f...»
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 ...»
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 y...»
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 whi...»
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 of...»
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 plat...»
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 aw...»
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...»
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 traditiona...»
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 ev...»
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...»
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 delic...»
"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 sin...»