Explore the refreshing and vast Nagano Prefecture! 40 recommended sightseeing spots

Nagano Prefecture is a natural kingdom close to the two major metropolitan areas of Tokyo and Nagoya and is home to Japan's three major alps. In recent years, historical tourist spots have also been attracting attention due to the influence of historical dramas and other events. From summer resorts such as Karuizawa and Tateshina to winter resorts such as Hakuba and Shiga Kogen, Nagano Prefecture is full of tourist spots that can be enjoyed all year round! After a tiring day of sightseeing, hot springs are waiting to warm you to the core, such as Shibu, Nozawa, Shikayu, and Bessho, Yudanaka. This time, we will introduce 40 of Nagano's tourist spots all at once.

1. Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle is said to have the oldest existing castle tower in Japan. Its beautiful group of four towers is one of only five national treasure castle towers in Japan, along with Himeji Castle, Hikone Castle, Inuyama Castle, and Matsue Castle. It has faced several threats to its survival, but thanks to the passion of the local people, its magnificent appearance has been preserved to this day.

The handsome castle tower looks picturesque no matter how you photograph it, whether it's shot through a moat or with the Alps in the background. You can enjoy a variety of views depending on the season, such as the autumn leaves in autumn or the snow-covered winter.

2. Kamikochi

Nagano Prefecture has many tourist destinations surrounded by high mountains and beautiful nature, but Kamikochi is particularly famous. Located on the southern side of Mount Hotaka in the Northern Alps, it is in a high valley at an altitude of about 1,500m but is characterized by the gentle plains that spread out before you.

Private cars are not allowed into Kamikochi, so you will need to use a shuttle bus or taxi. There are also many direct buses and tour buses from metropolitan areas such as Tokyo and Osaka.

The tranquil Kamikochi also has hotels and other accommodations, so we recommend spending two days fully enjoying the great outdoors of Nagano.

3. Hakuba

The Hakuba area in northwest Nagano Prefecture, crowned by Mount Shirouma in the Ushiro-Tateyama mountain range, is one of Japan's leading ski resorts and is extremely popular with foreigners. Ski resorts such as Happo-one, Tsugaike Kogen, and Hakuba Goryu attract many skiers and snowboarders from all over the world, from beginners to advanced skiers.

Hakuba is recommended not only in winter but also in summer as a highland summer resort! At Tsugaike Kogen, which can be reached by gondola and ropeway, you can see many highland plants, including species endemic to Mt. Tateyama. There are also many hot springs at the foot of the mountain, so you can relax to your heart's content surrounded by the Alps.

4. Karuizawa

Karuizawa is known as one of the leading luxury villa areas not only in Nagano but also in Japan. You can enjoy shopping and eating your way through Kyu-Karu Ginza, or relax and enjoy lunch or a break at a stylish cafe or restaurant.

There are not only shops but also tourist spots scattered around Karuizawa. Enjoy forest bathing at Kumoba Pond and Shiraito Falls, or visit the historic Mampei Hotel and Shaw House Memorial Museum. The charm of Karuizawa is endless, with summer vacation, sightseeing, shopping, and gourmet food.

5. Narai-juku

Many picturesque landscapes and old buildings remain along the Kisoji road on the old Nakasendo road. Narai-juku in particular is famous as a tourist spot where you can see the townscape almost exactly as it was in the Edo period! It once flourished and was known as Narai Senken, and it is said to have been the most lively town on the Kisoji road.

It is also the longest post town in Japan, and both sides of the street are lined with long, narrow wooden houses known as "eel beds." Enjoy the atmosphere of the post-town while eating gohei mochi and oyaki as you walk around.

6. Tsumago-juku

Another popular tourist spot in Nagano Prefecture is Tsumago-juku. This is one of the earliest places in Japan to comprehensively preserve its townscape. Compared to Narai-juku, there are more ups and downs and curves, so you can take photos of the expressive scenery of the post-town from various angles.

The highlight of the tour is the Minami Kiso Town Museum, which consists of three buildings: Tsumago-juku Honjin, Wakihonjin Okutani, and the Historical Museum.

Some many private lodgings and inns retain the atmosphere of a traditional inn, so if possible, it's a good idea to stay overnight and experience the atmosphere of travelers in the Edo period. It is also recommended to walk along the old road over the mountain pass to the neighboring Magome-juku, taking about three hours.

7. Suwa Taisha Shrine

Suwa Taisha Shrine in Nagano Prefecture is the head shrine of Suwa Shrine, of which there are said to be around 25,000 shrines nationwide, including subordinate shrines. On either side of Lake Suwa are the Kamisha Shrine in Suwa City and the Shimosha Shrine in Shimo-Suwa Town, each of which is further divided into two shrines.

The shrine is so old that its founding date is unknown, and it has continued to exist to this day alongside the unique culture of the Suwa region. Not only is it popular as a power spot, but there is a constant stream of people who visit to worship the god of competition.

8. Zenkoji Temple

Zenkoji Temple is Nagano City's most famous tourist spot, known for the phrase "pulled by oxen." This ancient temple, believed to have been founded in the 7th century, houses the principal image of the temple, the Ikko Sanzon Amida Nyorai, said to be the oldest Buddhist statue in Japan.

The principal image is kept secret and is never seen by the public, and a zentachi principal image is erected in its place during public viewing once every seven years. This public viewing in the Year of the Ox and Year of the Sheep attracts many believers from all over the country.

Zenkoji Temple is always crowded with worshippers, and the temple town is also fascinating! On both sides of the long approach to the temple, you can find delicious foods from all over Nagano Prefecture, including Shinshu specialties such as soba noodles and oyaki.

9. Mt. Kisokoma

Kiso-Komagatake, at 2,956m above sea level, is the highest peak in the Central Alps (Kiso Mountains)! However, you can easily get close to it by ropeway. If you take the ropeway from Komagane City on the eastern foot of the mountain, it will take you to Senjojiki, at an altitude of 2,612m, in just eight and a half minutes.

Of course, walking through the surrounding plateau is also pleasant, but we recommend Hotel Senjojiki, which is directly connected to the ropeway station. This is the highest hotel in Japan! If you are visiting Nagano Prefecture, also known as the roof of Japan, be sure to enjoy the scenery and nightlife of Komagatake.

10. Togakushi Shrine

Togakushi, which could be called the inner sanctum of Nagano City, is home to Togakushi Shrine, a popular tourist spot also known as a power spot. The name Togakushi comes from the legend that Amaterasu Omikami hid in the Ama-no-Iwato, where Ame-no-Tajikarao-no-Mikoto pried open the cave and threw it here.

Each of the five Togakushi shrines has its own highlights, but the most impressive sight is the row of cedar trees on the approach to the inner shrine! The trees are said to be 400 years old, and you can feel their exceptional power.

Togakushi is also famous nationwide as a producer of soba. If you are visiting as a tourist, be sure to try a nearby soba restaurant.

11. Ueda Castle Ruins

Ueda Castle, built by the Sanada clan, is a tourist attraction that has become increasingly popular thanks to the airing of the historical drama "Sanada Maru." Although it no longer has a castle tower, the restored turrets and gates, as well as the numerous stone walls and moats, give a glimpse into the fortress's strength, having twice fended off the Tokugawa army.

The ruins of Ueda Castle, which has been developed as a historic park, are also famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot! Even if you're not a Sanada fan, many tourists visit during the spring Senbonzakura Festival and Sanada Festival.

12. Matsushiro Castle Ruins

Matsushiro Castle originated from Kaizu Castle, where Takeda Shingen used to be his headquarters during the famous Battle of Kawanakajima in the history of the Sengoku period. During the Edo period, Sanada Yukimura (Nobushige)'s older brother Sanada Nobuyuki moved here from Ueda Castle, and it became the residence of the Sanada clan, which had a fief of 100,000 koku.

This castle also does not have a castle tower, but the gates, stone walls, moats, etc. have been restored. There are also many things to see in the castle town, such as the Sanada family mansion, the clan's literary and military school, and the Sanada Treasure Museum.

13. Takato Castle Ruins Park

Takato Castle Park is a tourist spot touted as the best cherry blossom spot in the world. It was once a strategic castle where fierce battles took place between the Takeda and Oda clans, and during the Edo period, it became the home castle of the Takato domain with its 30,000 koku of rice.

In the Meiji period, former Takato domain samurai began planting cherry trees on the site of the demolished castle, marking the beginning of today's famous cherry blossom spot. Every April, about 1,500 Kohigan cherry trees, all over 100 years old, are in full bloom.

Taking advantage of the complex topography of the castle, a major feature is that the blossoming cherry blossom branches extend not only above eye level but also below! At night, the area is lit up, creating an even more fantastical view.

14. Bessho Onsen

If you take the Ueda Electric Railway Bessho Line from Ueda Station, you will arrive at the last stop, Bessho Onsen Station, in less than 30 minutes. Bessho Onsen is said to be the oldest hot spring in Shinshu and is also popular as a hot spring associated with the Sanada clan.

There are many tourist spots around the hot spring town, such as the national treasure Anrakuji Temple Octagonal Three-Story Pagoda, the important cultural property Maeyama-ji Temple Three-Story Pagoda, Kitamuki Kannon, and Mugonkan! There are also many quaint inns and public baths, so Bessho Onsen is recommended as a place to stay when sightseeing in Shinshu.

15. Yudanaka Shibu Onsen

Yudanaka Shibu Onsenkyo spreads out at the trailhead to Shiga Kogen, northeast of Nagano City. The hot springs area is made up of nine hot springs, centered around Yudanaka Onsen and Shibu Onsen, each with its own charm and characteristics.

Among them, Kanaguya in Shibu Onsen is a long-established inn with a building built in 1936! The four-story wooden building, Saigetsu-ro, is also designated as a registered tangible cultural property of the country.

If you go further into the valley, you will find Jigokudani Monkey Park, a popular tourist spot where you can see monkeys in an open-air bath. It is one of the leading hot spring tourist destinations in Shinshu and can be enjoyed in both summer and winter.

16. Daio Wasabi Farm

A field of wasabi spreads out over the clear, murmuring waters of Azumino. Many would say that Daio Wasabi Farm is a landscape representative of Shinshu.

However, this view was not created overnight. When the first digging was started in 1917, it was just a wasteland, and it took 18 years to develop.

Not only can you stroll through the farm with its refreshing greenery and spring water, but you can also buy and taste freshly picked wasabi, which is another attraction for tourists! In particular, the wasabi soft serve ice cream and wasabi croquettes are popular and perfect for eating on the go.

17. Utsukushigahara Plateau

The majestic Utsukushigahara, lying behind Matsumoto city, is a plateau region with a series of mountains around 2,000m high, including the highest peak, Ogato. The area near the peak is gentle and you can drive up close, making sightseeing easy! Around the peak, you can see cows grazing freely on the grass.

Also, the Venus Line, which runs from Chino City through Kurumayama Plateau and Kirigamine to Utsukushigahara, is recommended for a drive! It runs through a plateau region with a few tall trees, so you can enjoy the scenery while driving.

18. Lake Suwa

Lake Suwa, which spans three cities and towns - Suwa City, Okaya City, and Shimo-Suwa Town - is an indispensable tourist resource for the Suwa region. In addition to the high-quality hot springs that spring up around the lake, in recent years the Lake Suwa Festival and fireworks display every August has become popular.

You can ride pleasure boats and amphibious buses, and in the bitterly cold winter, you can enjoy smelt fishing. Also, if you're lucky, you can see the Omiwatari (a sacred crossing) where the ice on the lake surface cracks on a day with extreme temperature differences.

19. Lake Shirakaba

Lake Shirakaba, which spreads out between Mt. Tateshina and Mt. Kuruma, is one of Shinshu's popular highland resorts. Originally an artificial reservoir, after the war it was extensively developed into a hotel, golf course, and more.

As its name suggests, the tranquil lake is surrounded by birch trees and is highly recommended for those who want to relax in the Shinshu nature! There are also amusement parks and a cute teddy bear museum nearby, so it is also recommended for families with children.

20. Obasute

Obasute in Chikuma City, Nagano Prefecture, is a beautiful tourist spot with terraced rice fields, known for the "Tagoto no Tsuki." The way the moon reflects off each and every rice paddy filled with water is a spectacular sight that embodies the beauty of Japan.

Even outside of the Tagoto no Tsuki season, JR Obasute Station and the Obasute Service Area on the Nagano Expressway are popular viewing points for the Shinano River basin. As a place of scenic beauty since ancient times, the surrounding area is dotted with historical tourist spots.

21. Lake Nojiri

Lake Nojiri is famous for the excavation of Naumann's Elephant fossils. It is located in the Kurohime Plateau near the border with Niigata Prefecture and is also known as Lake Fuyo.

Marine sports and camping are popular in the surrounding area, and in the summer you can see many people floating in canoes and boats. There is also Lake Nojiri Naumann's Elephant Museum on the lakeside, so it is of course recommended for archaeology lovers.

22. Tateshina Plateau

The Tateshina Plateau is a highland resort surrounded by Mt. Tateshina and the Yatsugatake mountain range. Even in Nagano Prefecture, which has many summer resorts, this area was developed relatively long ago and has been loved by many writers and artists, including Kaii Higashiyama and Sachio Ito.

The mountainside of the Northern Yatsugatake Mountains, lined with villas, is also full of scenic natural sightseeing spots, such as Mishakaike Pond and Yokoya Valley! Along the valley is Okutateshina Onsenkyo, where you can relax not only in the greenery and air of the plateau but also in the hot springs.

23. Kiso Fukushima

The Nakasendo Kisoji road was described by Shimazaki Toson as being "completely in the mountains." In the Edo period, 11 post towns were established, of which Fukushima-juku, now known as Kiso Fukushima, was the most important.

There was once a large checkpoint and the residence of the Kiso magistrate here, and it is still a popular tourist spot today. Other places of interest include the Takase Museum, where Toson's sister was married, and Kozenji Temple, the family temple of the Kiso magistrate.

24. Tenryukyo

The Tenryu River is the only river that flows out of Lake Suwa. Tenryu Gorge, a scenic spot carved out by the Tenryu River, known as a violent river, is located exactly halfway to the mouth of the Enshu Nada Sea.

The best way to enjoy the beauty of the valley woven by the giant rocks and strangely shaped rocks is by boat! It is especially beautiful during the seasons of fresh greenery and autumn leaves. There are many hot springs in the area, and the JR Iida Line runs along the river, so you can enjoy it as a day trip or an overnight stay.

25. Komoro Castle Ruins Nostalgia Park

The ruins of Komoro Castle, known as Kaikoen, is a famous castle where it is said that Yamamoto Kansuke, the military strategist of Takeda Shingen, laid out its territory. It was selected as one of Japan's 100 most famous castles and continued to exist as the residence of the Komoro Domain during the Edo period.

Currently, the only remaining castle buildings are Sannomon Gate, which also serves as the entrance gate to Kaikoen, and Otemon Gate, which was relocated and restored in 2008. The park is lined with stone walls and is bustling with visitors during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.

26. Sugadaira Plateau

Nagano Prefecture has many highland resorts, but Sugadaira Plateau is one of the largest and most well-known tourist destinations. At the foot of Mt. Azuma, overlooking Mt. Asama to the southeast, this plateau region sits at an altitude of 1,250 to 1,650 meters and is home to a variety of tourist facilities, including ski resorts, golf courses, ranches, and fruit farms.

It is often used as a sports training camp for various schools, and another major feature is the presence of grounds and indoor arenas for each sport. Many people visit the Sugadaira Plateau for leisure activities in both summer and winter.

27. Nozawa Onsen

Nozawa Onsen is not only a hot spring town, but also one of Japan's largest ski resorts. In Ogama, the center of the town, hot water close to 100 degrees springs up, and there are 13 public baths scattered throughout the hot spring town.

It is also known as the birthplace of Nozawana, a Shinshu specialty, and you can enjoy a variety of other gourmet dishes that use hot spring water. Enjoy interacting with the locals at the outdoor baths while fully enjoying Nagano's hot springs.

28. Kakeyu Onsen

Located halfway between Ueda and Matsumoto, in a quiet valley surrounded by mountains on all sides, is Kakeyu Onsen. As the name suggests, it is said that a deer told a hunter where the hot spring was and that the deer was a transformed Manjusri Bodhisattva.

It has long been known as a therapeutic hot spring resort, and even today a large rehabilitation center stands behind the hot spring town. Kakeyu Onsen has two public baths, and Monju no Yu in particular is located just above the oldest source of the spring. Even among the many high-quality hot springs in Nagano Prefecture, this is a place that is particularly popular with people who visit in search of its healing properties.

29. Obuse

Obuse Town, next to Nagano Prefecture, is famous for its chestnuts. There are plenty of delicious local specialties, including Japanese sweets such as chestnut kanoko and chestnut kinton, as well as fluffy, cooked chestnut rice.

The Obuse townscape itself is also a popular tourist spot, with people constantly taking commemorative photos with the modern alleys and buildings in the background. As the ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai spent the last four years of his life in Obuse, we also recommend visiting art-related tourist spots such as the Hokusai Museum and the Nakajima Chinami Museum.

30. Kanden Tunnel Electric Bus

The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route starts from Omachi City in Nagano Prefecture, crosses the Ushiro-Tateyama mountain range and Kurobe Dam, and descends to Toyama Prefecture. The Kanden Tunnel, which connects Ogizawa Station and Kurobe Dam, has long been a popular tourist route for trolleybuses (buses that run on electricity from overhead wires).

In 2018, the trolleybuses were replaced by electric vehicles with built-in batteries, and the name was changed to Kanden Tunnel Electric Bus. However, the tunnels used are the same, so the thrills and scenery you can experience will remain the same.

31. Nezame no Toko

Kisoji said to be the highlight of the Nakasendo, is also full of natural tourist spots! Among them, Nezame no Toko in Agematsu Town has long been known as a scenic spot and has been the subject of Noh plays and Joruri.

The steep white granite rocks jutting out from the emerald green river create a rugged yet beautiful landscape. There are hotels, restaurants, shops, and more in the surrounding area, making it a recommended place to stay when sightseeing in Kiso.

32. Kantenpapa Garden

Have you heard of "Kanten Papa"? It is a powder made from agar, a specialty of Shinshu, and anyone can easily make agar jelly by adding their favorite juice or fruit and letting it solidify. It is a snack base that can be said to be the soul food of Nagano Prefecture residents, and in addition to jelly, there are many other types such as pudding and bavarois.

Adjacent to the main store of Kanten Papa is the tourist facility "Kanten Papa Garden". Within the refreshing grounds, there are restaurants that mainly serve agar dishes, a shop where you can purchase over 200 types of products, and a restaurant where you can enjoy local beer and local wine.

33. Former Kaichi School

The former Kaichi School in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, is an elementary school built in 1873. Though it is a wooden building with a shingled roof, it has a Japanese-Western design, with an octagonal tower rising in the middle and glass imported from overseas in each window. Built as the prefecture's first elementary school, it was designated an Important Cultural Property by the nation in 1961.

The school building was used for about 90 years, after which it was moved and restored to its current location. The interior has been turned into an educational museum, which is open to the public. If you visit Matsumoto, be sure to also visit Matsumoto Castle.

34. Kawanakajima Battlefield (Yahatahara Historical Park)

The Battle of Kawanakajima is one of the most famous battles of the Sengoku period. Takeda Shingen's army, based at Kaizu Castle (later Matsushiro Castle), and Uesugi Kenshin's army, based at Mt. Tsumanome, moved to the plains of Kawanakajima during the night and clashed.

If you get off the Joshinetsu Expressway at Nagano IC and drive north, you will come to the Kawanakajima Battlefield (Yahatahara Historical Park). There is a brave bronze statue here, based on the legend that Kenshin attacked on horseback and Shingen blocked the attack with his fan. There are also other sights worthy of a historical tourist spot, such as the stone monument "Area of Three and Seven Swords" and the Nagano City Museum.

35. Achi Village: The best starry sky in Japan

It takes about 15 minutes by night gondola from Sonohara, near Hirugami Onsen in Nagano Prefecture, a popular spot in the Chukyo region. At 8 pm, all the surrounding lights are turned off at once, and the stars shine brightly in the pitch-black sky.

Achi Village in Nagano Prefecture is the village with the "best starry sky in Japan," certified by the Ministry of the Environment as the place where the stars shine the brightest! The "Paradise in the Sky: Japan's Best Starry Sky Night Tour" is held from spring to autumn, and has become a big hit in recent years. Why not try out this spectacular night view, which has also been chosen as a sacred place for lovers?

36. SORA terrace

The specialty of Ryuo Mountain Park in Kitashiga Kogen, north of Yudanaka Shibu Onsenkyo, is the spectacular SORA terrace, which can be reached by one of the world's largest 166-seater ropeways. If the weather is good, you can see all the way across the Sea of Japan to Sado Island from around the summit station, which is 1,770m above sea level.

But don't worry if it's cloudy! Even on such days, the observation deck is above the clouds, so you have a chance to see a sea of clouds. This is a tourist spot unique to Shinshu that can be enjoyed either way, whether it's sunny or not.

37. Azumino Chihiro Art Museum

Chihiro Iwasaki is famous as one of Japan's leading picture book illustrators. In Azumino, Nagano Prefecture, where Iwasaki was evacuated during the war, there is the Azumino Chihiro Art Museum, one of the world's largest picture book museums.

In addition to Iwasaki's original drawings and sketches, the museum also exhibits various historical materials that lead to modern picture books. In addition, the museum is surrounded by a large park, and the lush Azumino scenery is like something straight out of a picture book.

38. Nobeyama

The Nobeyama area is located east of the Yatsugatake Mountains, adjacent to the Kiyosato Plateau in Yamanashi Prefecture. Famous for its highland vegetables, Nobeyama is also known for its many delicious dairy products made with fresh milk.

Nobeyama Station on the JR Koumi Line is the station at the highest altitude on the JR line in Japan. Between Nobeyama Station and Kiyosato Station is the highest JR station, which has become a tourist spot with monuments and shrines.

Furthermore, the Nobeyama Radio Observatory, located south of the station, is perfect for a stroll in the summer! With its railways and space, it is a recommended tourist destination, especially for families with boys.

39. Sanada History Museum

The Sanada clan are highly popular warlords of the Sengoku period. In the old Sanada town of Ueda city, where their roots lie, there is the remains of the Sanada clan mansion, and the Sanada Clan History Museum is located next to it.

Inside the museum, a wealth of documents and weapons related to the Sanada clan are on display. There are also the famous Sanada Rokumon Sen flag and camp curtain.

The remains of the Sanada clan mansion are small compared to Ueda Castle, but the earthworks surrounding the perimeter remain. It is a tourist spot that can be enjoyed by anyone, even if they are not a Sanada fan.

40. Okususobana Nature Park

Deep in the west of Mt. Togakushi, in Kinasa, Nagano City, Okususobana Nature Park is a tourist spot known for its colonies of Asian skunk cabbage. There are said to be about 810,000 trees, more than even Oze!

The best time to see them is usually from Golden Week to early June. There is also a virgin beech forest in the surrounding area, some of which are over 300 years old. If you take a walk in the fall, you can enjoy picking beech nuts, known as sobagauri.

◎A summary of recommended sightseeing spots in the refreshing and vast Nagano Prefecture

From tourist spots you can enjoy with your children to natural spots that will soothe your daily fatigue, Nagano has plenty of tourist spots to choose from! Furthermore, Nagano changes its appearance with the seasons, and there are many traditional and impressive festivals. It's hard to decide when to visit Nagano.

Also, Nagano is famous for soba noodles! There are many soba restaurants around the tourist spots, so please enjoy them as well. If you want to visit hidden gems that are not covered by the media, it may be a good idea to reserve a cheap rental car in Nagano and drive there.

Explore the refreshing and vast Nagano Prefecture! 40 recommended sightseeing spots