Six Exhibition Areas Exploring Nakano’s History
The permanent exhibition galleries are organized around the themes of nature, history, and culture, with six sections introducing the story of Nakano from ancient times to the modern era.
Nature 1: Diverse Landscapes, Plants, and Animals
This section introduces Nakano’s varied natural environment, including mountains, hills, basins, and alluvial fans. Visitors can discover how the area’s diverse geography has shaped its ecosystems and local landscape.
Nature 2: The Thirteen Cliffs and the Common Kestrel Colony
The museum introduces the breeding grounds of common kestrels at Jusan Gake, a valuable raptor habitat designated as a National Natural Monument of Japan. The exhibition explains the natural environment that supports this important bird colony.
Prehistoric Japan: From Nomadic Life to Permanent Settlements
This section explores changes in human life from the Paleolithic period through the Yayoi period. Archaeological discoveries and excavated artifacts help visitors understand how people gradually changed from mobile hunting and gathering communities to more settled societies.
The Medieval Period: The Rise of the Samurai
The medieval history of the Nakano area is introduced through the rise of warrior families, including the influential Takanashi clan. Exhibits explain the conflicts and social changes that shaped the region during this turbulent period.
The Early Modern Period: Peace and Life in Nakano
This section focuses on life in local villages during the Edo period. Visitors can learn about everyday life, customs, and the development of regional culture during an era of relative peace and stability in Japan.
Modern History and Folk Culture: A New Era and Living Traditions
The final section explores modernization and the traditional customs that continued to be passed down through generations. It offers an introduction to the everyday lives, beliefs, and folk culture of the people of Nakano.
Artifacts from the Yanagisawa Site and Nationally Important Cultural Properties
In 2014, archaeological materials excavated from the Yanagisawa Site in Nakano City were returned from Nagano Prefecture to the city. Among them are bronze ceremonial weapons known as dotaku bronze bells and doko bronze halberds, important discoveries dating from the Yayoi period.
The museum’s collection exhibition displays 212 objects designated as National Important Cultural Properties, together with bronze halberds, bronze bells, Kuribayashi-style pottery, stone tools, and other archaeological materials.
These discoveries have contributed to a reassessment of what is known about Yayoi-period Japan and demonstrate the important role that the Nakano area played in ancient Japanese history.
The Northernmost Planetarium in Nagano Prefecture
The museum also houses the northernmost planetarium in Nagano Prefecture. A digital star-filled sky spreads across the dome, while museum staff provide live explanations of seasonal constellations.
General planetarium programs are mainly held on weekends and public holidays. The experience is designed to be enjoyed by visitors of all ages, making it an appealing addition to a museum visit for families and travelers interested in astronomy.
Enjoy the Museum Together with Kitashinano Furusato no Mori Cultural Park
The Nakano City Museum is located within Kitashinano Furusato no Mori Cultural Park, a spacious green recreation area with a variety of outdoor facilities.
The park features a summer bobsled course, an auto camping area, a mallet golf course, and a field athletics course. Visitors can combine a cultural visit to the museum with outdoor activities and time surrounded by nature.
Panoramic Views from the Museum
The museum stands on a gently elevated hill. From its observation room, approximately 21 meters above ground level, visitors can enjoy wide views of Mount Kosha, the Shiga Highlands, and the Northern Shinshu Five Mountains.
The changing scenery throughout the seasons adds another dimension to the museum experience, offering a relaxing place to combine learning, sightseeing, and appreciation of the natural landscape.
Visitor Information
Opening Hours
March to November: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
December to February: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Closing Days
Closed: Tuesdays and the New Year holiday period.
Access
The museum is approximately 5 minutes by car from the Shinshu-Nakano Interchange on the Joshinetsu Expressway, a distance of about 2 km.
From Shinshu-Nakano Station on the Nagano Dentetsu Nagano Line, the museum is approximately 15 minutes away by taxi.
A Cultural Destination Connecting Sightseeing and Learning
The Nakano City Museum offers a comprehensive introduction to the natural environment, archaeology, history, and folk culture of northern Shinshu. Its collection of actual artifacts makes it possible to trace the development of the region from prehistoric times through the medieval and early modern periods to the present day.
A visit can be combined with the planetarium and the many recreational facilities of Kitashinano Furusato no Mori Cultural Park. For travelers exploring northern Nagano, the museum provides an opportunity to look beyond the scenery and discover the deeper history and culture of the region.