Nagano

Nagano, the capital of Nagano Prefecture, is a city that blends urban energy with deep spiritual roots. It is best known for Zenkoji Temple, a historic pilgrimage site attracting millions of visitors yearly. The city also played a major role in the 1998 Winter Olympics, offering world-class facilities and access to nearby ski resorts. Surrounding the city are the Japanese Alps, ideal for hiking and hot spring retreats. Seasonal festivals, soba noodle culture, and local crafts contribute to its vibrant atmosphere. Nagano is both culturally rich and naturally majestic.

Matsumoto, nestled in the Japanese Alps, is one of Nagano’s most popular cultural destinations. Its centerpiece is Matsumoto Castle, a national treasure known for its black exterior and wooden interiors. The city is also a gateway to the Northern Alps for mountaineers and hikers. Matsumoto thrives with art, music, and crafts, including the renowned Saito Kinen Festival and local woodworking traditions. The old Nakamachi and Nawate Streets offer Edo-period charm, with preserved warehouses, cafes, and shops. Matsumoto offers a refined balance of historical elegance, nature, and creativity.

Ueda is a historically rich city in eastern Nagano Prefecture, known for Ueda Castle and its samurai heritage tied to the Sanada clan. The city blends history with modernity through museums, traditional streets, and festivals celebrating local legends. Its natural surroundings include the Chikuma River and nearby mountains, offering hiking, hot springs, and seasonal foliage. Ueda is also home to cultural centers and sake breweries, reflecting its deep-rooted traditions. Its convenient Shinkansen access makes it a popular destination for both cultural tourism and nature escapes.

Suwa, located in central Nagano Prefecture, is famed for Lake Suwa and its spiritual and cultural significance. The city is home to Suwa Taisha, one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines. The lake area features hot spring resorts, walking paths, and scenic cruises. Suwa is also known for its traditional fireworks festivals and the Onbashira Festival, held every six years. The surrounding highlands and mountains offer ski resorts and alpine views. Additionally, Suwa has a rich history in sake brewing and watchmaking, reflecting its industrial and cultural diversity.

Komagane is a picturesque city located in southern Nagano, surrounded by the Central and Southern Alps. It serves as the base for the Komagatake Ropeway, giving access to alpine hiking, snow activities, and panoramic mountain views. The city is also noted for its beautiful Senjojiki Cirque, a glacial valley known for seasonal flowers and scenery. Komagane blends its mountain charm with local traditions, including miso making and soba culture. Its peaceful countryside, hot springs, and easy access to nature make it a popular spot for outdoor lovers.

Nakano, located in northern Nagano Prefecture, is a quiet city with a strong agricultural base, particularly known for its apples, grapes, and flowers. The city is also a gateway to Shiga Kogen, one of Japan’s largest ski and hiking areas. In spring, tulip fields and fruit blossoms attract many visitors, while autumn offers vibrant foliage. Nakano also preserves traditional culture through temples, historic sites, and rural festivals. With access to hot springs and natural scenery, Nakano is perfect for slow-paced travel and experiencing local life.

Shiojiri is a city in central Nagano known for its wineries, historic post towns, and scenic countryside. The city is home to the famous Narai-juku, a well-preserved Edo-period post town along the Nakasendo route. Shiojiri is also at the heart of the Nagano wine region, producing award-winning wines with locally grown grapes. The city blends cultural history with modern agriculture, offering experiences such as wine tasting, farm visits, and local crafts. Surrounded by mountains, it’s a peaceful base for exploring rural Japan and tasting authentic regional flavors.

Azumino, in the northwest of Matsumoto, is known for its beautiful rural landscapes, wasabi farms, and access to the Northern Alps. The Daio Wasabi Farm is one of the largest in Japan and a popular destination for learning about wasabi cultivation. The area is dotted with museums, local art galleries, and scenic cycling paths along rivers and rice fields. With views of snow-capped mountains, hot springs, and local food, Azumino offers a peaceful retreat where visitors can appreciate the slow pace of countryside life and natural harmony.

Karuizawa is a prestigious resort town in eastern Nagano, renowned for its cool climate, elegant shopping streets, and natural beauty. Historically a summer retreat for foreign diplomats and Japanese elites, the town now features high-end boutiques, cafés, and art galleries. Surrounded by forests and volcanic scenery, it offers outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, golf, and skiing in winter. Karuizawa Station is on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, making it a quick getaway from Tokyo. The area also includes historic churches, villas, and natural spots like Shiraito Falls.

Tenryu Village is a small, remote village in southern Nagano, embraced by deep forests and steep mountains. Known for its pristine nature and traditional mountain lifestyle, the village offers rare experiences like forest therapy walks, local folklore, and rural homestays. The Tenryu River adds to the natural richness, offering fishing and river-based leisure. Though sparsely populated, the area preserves strong cultural traditions through festivals, local cuisine, and craftsmanship. It's ideal for eco-tourism and those seeking a quiet retreat into Japan's countryside soul.

Kiso is located in the southwest of Nagano Prefecture and is known for its deep forests, rich history, and beautifully preserved post towns such as Tsumago-juku and Magome-juku along the historic Nakasendo Trail. The town offers a nostalgic glimpse into the Edo period with wooden buildings, cobblestone streets, and traditional inns. Visitors can enjoy hiking through scenic trails surrounded by cedar forests, experiencing local crafts such as lacquerware and woodworking, and tasting regional dishes like gohei mochi. Kiso is a hidden gem for those seeking culture, nature, and quiet exploration.

Omi is a quiet village in central Nagano, surrounded by mountains and rural scenery. It is known for its peaceful countryside charm, rich seasonal beauty, and historical ties to the Chikuma River basin. The village promotes eco-tourism, offering experiences such as rice planting, firefly watching in summer, and snow-covered landscapes in winter. Local traditions remain strong, with folk festivals, regional crafts, and agricultural practices deeply rooted in daily life. Omi is ideal for travelers seeking a slow-paced, authentic Japanese rural experience in harmony with nature.

Yamagata Village is located just west of Matsumoto City and is known for its proximity to both urban convenience and rural serenity. The village is surrounded by rice paddies and gently rolling hills, with scenic views of the Northern Alps. It has a strong agricultural presence and is especially famous for “Yamagata-imo,” a unique local potato. The community actively preserves traditional farming culture while promoting modern eco-friendly initiatives. With its warm hospitality, local markets, and open spaces, Yamagata offers a refreshing countryside getaway not far from the city.

Hakuba is a world-renowned mountain resort village in northern Nagano, famous for its winter sports, alpine scenery, and international atmosphere. Located in the heart of the Japanese Alps, it was a key venue for the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics and attracts skiers and snowboarders from around the globe. In warmer months, Hakuba transforms into a hiking and mountain biking paradise, with trails, gondolas, and flower-covered meadows. The village blends traditional Japanese charm with modern resort facilities, making it a year-round destination for adventure, nature, and relaxation.

Obuse is a charming town in northern Nagano known for its rich cultural heritage, chestnut delicacies, and connection to the famous ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai. The town blends historical ambiance with modern creativity, featuring art museums, old sake breweries, and elegant gardens. Strolling through its well-preserved streets, visitors can enjoy seasonal floral displays, traditional sweets, and scenic cafés. The atmosphere of Obuse is both refined and inviting, offering a deep sense of history and artistic inspiration.

Nozawaonsen is a beloved hot spring village and ski resort in northern Nagano. It has over a dozen free public onsen baths (soto-yu), steeped in centuries of tradition. In winter, Nozawa becomes a lively international ski town with excellent powder snow and diverse terrain, while in summer it transforms into a tranquil village ideal for hiking, cycling, and soaking in nature. The town hosts traditional festivals like the Dosojin Fire Festival, showcasing its strong community spirit. It's a perfect mix of culture, relaxation, and adventure.

Shinano is a peaceful town nestled near Lake Nojiri in northern Nagano, surrounded by lush forests and views of Mt. Kurohime. It is a hub for nature lovers, offering camping, lake activities, and beautiful hiking trails. The area is also known for producing delicious buckwheat (soba), apples, and corn. Shinano is deeply connected to Japanese literature and history, with authors like Lafcadio Hearn having lived here. The balance of literary legacy, rural charm, and alpine scenery creates a rich, relaxing travel experience.

Sakae is a remote village in northern Nagano bordering Niigata, known for its heavy snowfall, terraced rice fields, and preserved countryside traditions. Despite its small size, Sakae offers immersive rural experiences like seasonal festivals, farming stays, and snowshoe trekking. The village is also resilient, having rebuilt after a major earthquake in 2011. Nature here is intense and dramatic, with clear rivers, dense forests, and a slower pace of life. It's an ideal place for travelers seeking tranquility, nature, and human connection.