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...»
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. ...»
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 pilg...»
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 pillar...»
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 cu...»
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....»
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 met...»
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 ...»
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 Fi...»
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, wel...»
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 ...»
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 eleva...»
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...»
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 K...»
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 Mou...»
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 i...»
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 t...»
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 I...»
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...»
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 ...»
"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 an...»
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 qualit...»
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 pi...»
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...»
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-bash...»
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, t...»
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...»
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 i...»
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 Azu...»
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 159...»
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 Jap...»
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 ...»
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 Pla...»
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 fo...»
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 Ci...»
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 ...»
"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 th...»
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...»
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...»