Nagano Prefecture, located in central Japan, is a region abundant in beautiful nature. The Japanese Alps stretch across, offering picturesque landscapes throughout the four seasons. Renowned for delicacies like Shinshu soba and Shinshu apples, Nagano is also popular for resorts like Tateshina and Hakuba. In Nagano City, historical landmarks and hot spring resorts cater to tourists, providing serene retreats. Recognized as a sports haven, Nagano gained fame as the host of the 1998 Winter Olympics. Winter invites skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, while summer attracts hikers and mountaineers. Nagano seamlessly blends nature and diverse activities, making it a captivating destination.
１．Matsumoto Castle (Matsumoto City)
Known as the ‘Black Castle,’ this national treasure boasts a beautiful appearance and historical significance, making it popular among tourists. It is one of the twelve remaining original castles in Japan and counted among the five national treasure castles. Preserving the atmosphere of the Warring States period, the castle is surrounded by Matsumoto Castle Park, offering seasonal views against the backdrop of the Northern Alps.
２．Zenko-ji Temple (Nagano City)
A historic Buddhist temple, Zenko-ji attracts devout visitors seeking spiritual solace amid its scenic and historical ambiance. Welcoming believers of all backgrounds, the temple played a significant role in the battles of Kawanakajima, where Uesugi Kenshin stationed his camp. With its unique ‘dakkirui’ structure, the main hall is the largest wooden Buddhist structure in Eastern Japan, designated as a national treasure.
３．Jigokudani Monkey Park
Situated in the Yamanouchi Valley, this park is a paradise for monkeys. Home to a long-established troop of Japanese macaques, visitors can observe and photograph their natural behavior, including bathing in hot springs. The sight of monkeys soaking in hot springs is a rare and globally renowned spectacle, attracting people from around the world.
４．Ueda Castle
Built by Sanada Masayuki, the father of the famous Sanada Yukimura, this castle gained fame for repelling the Tokugawa forces twice, earning its reputation as an impregnable fortress. Within the castle grounds, spots like the Sanada Shrine and the Ueda City Museum add historical richness.
５．Karuizawa (Karuizawa Town)
Once a post town on the Nakasendo Highway during the Edo period, Karuizawa evolved into a foreigner’s summer resort during the Meiji era and later became a villa retreat. The Old Karuizawa Ginza continues to attract millions of tourists yearly. The Manpei Hotel, cherished by celebrities like John Lennon, remains a beloved accommodation.
６．Togakushi Shrine
Enshrining deities credited with the success of opening the heavenly rock cave, Togakushi Shrine was a renowned spiritual training ground in the late Heian period. The ‘Okusha’ is reached through a pathway featuring a red ‘Torii’ gate and a 400-year-old cedar-lined avenue, offering access to the trails of Mount Togakushi.
７．Lake Suwa
Gaining attention for resembling the landscape of Lake Itomori in the animated film ‘Your Name,’ Lake Suwa is a popular destination for tourists seeking the picturesque scenery featured in the movie. Particularly, the stunning viewpoint at Tateshina Park offers a scene reminiscent of the film. In 2018, it was certified as ‘Shinshu Furusato no Mieru Oka’ (Hill with a View of the Hometown).
８．Kamikochi
A scenic spot at an altitude of 1,500 meters, Kamikochi offers breathtaking views of the Hotaka Range from the Kappa Bridge, making it a popular photography spot. It serves as a base for trekking, and the route to the Karasawa Cirque is a classic for mountain enthusiasts. Tokusawa-en served as the setting for the mountain novel ‘Hyouheki.’
９．Star Village Achi
Recognized by the Ministry of the Environment as the ‘place where stars shine the brightest,’ Achi Village is known as ‘Star Village Achi.’ Visitors can enjoy a night tour of stargazing from an altitude of about 1,400 meters by taking a gondola to Tomi-Midai Highland.
１０．Senjojiki Cirque
The Senjojiki Cirque, a treasure trove of alpine plants, lies directly beneath the Central Alps’ Mount Hoken. Despite its high elevation of 2,612 meters, visitors can easily reach it by ropeway, allowing everyone to enjoy casual hiking.”