Top 5 Tourist Spots Around Nobeyama, Nagano Prefecture: Welcome to the Land of Great Nature

Nobeyama is a highland area in eastern Nagano Prefecture with an altitude of 1000 to 1500 meters. Fields of highland vegetables spread across the 1200 to 1300 meter zone. With an average annual temperature of around 7 degrees Celsius, it's well-suited for cultivating vegetables adapted to the cold climate. Even among the vegetable-producing prefectures of Nagano, Nobeyama boasts the second-highest sales of highland vegetables. Additionally, fresh and delicious dairy products such as "yogurt" and "Poppo milk," produced at a dairy factory in Nobeyama, are popular local brands and popular souvenirs among tourists.

In summer, many tourists visit as a summer resort, and it's also chosen as a location for sports training camps. In winter, Nobeyama attracts many ski enthusiasts, making it a lively town year-round. With its beautiful scenery, it's highly recommended to explore by rental car.

1. JR Nobeyama Station

JR Nobeyama Station, located in Minamimaki Village, Nagano Prefecture, is a station on the JR Koumi Line, which connects Komoro Station on the Shinano Railway (formerly the Shin'etsu Main Line) with Kobuchizawa Station on the Chuo East Line. It is the highest-altitude station on the entire JR line, making it a popular tourist spot. At an altitude of 1,345.67 meters, it sits right at the summit of a mountain. It is also known as the station closest to space, attracting railway enthusiasts and tourists from all over Japan.

The station is surrounded by nature, with clean, fresh air, and the autumn leaves are especially beautiful. The view of Akadake, the main peak of the Yatsugatake Mountains, from in front of Nobeyama Station is also wonderful, providing a refreshing experience.

The station building, designed with an elegant and stylish image reminiscent of the many ranches in the Nobeyama area, is impressive. There is also a sign in front of the station building indicating the highest elevation, making it a popular photo spot for tourists

2. Nobeyama Radio Observatory of the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan

The Nobeyama Radio Observatory is a must-visit tourist spot for space enthusiasts. Located in a high-altitude vegetable field with no buildings obstructing radio waves, it features one 45-meter-diameter radio telescope and five 10-meter-diameter millimeter-wave interferometers, creating a mysterious space connected to the distant universe. The "millimeter-wave" radio telescopes observe radio waves and are the largest in the world. These large-diameter telescopes capture faint radio waves from celestial objects. The facility investigates radio waves from objects invisible to the human eye, solving cosmic mysteries such as star formation, the structure of galaxies, and black holes.

The observation course within the facility includes an exhibition room and models that allow visitors to experience receiving signals. During the annual special summer open day, visitors can tour the inside of the observatory, including the observation tower, making it a popular attraction for tourists. This is a world-class facility that Nobeyama proudly offers, and a recommended spot for Nobeyama tourism.

3. Yatsugatake Kogen Music Hall

One of the recommended attractions in Nobeyama is the Yatsugatake Kogen Music Hall, a beautiful facility that harmonizes with nature and the environment, winning several awards such as the "1989 Mainichi Art Award" and the "1989 Tokyo Creation Award for Environmental Design."

The hall, designed with a hexagonal shape that blends beautifully with the highland scenery, features a warm, wooden interior. It was born from the advice of the renowned musician Sviatoslav Richter and offers an intimate setting with just 250 seats. For those looking to heal through music, this is a must-add to your Nobeyama sightseeing itinerary.

Yatsugatake Kogen Music Hall is a precious place where you can feel the connection between music and people, and between people themselves. The large windows offer stunning views of the surrounding nature, creating an extraordinary experience with the contrast between the magnificent music and the beautiful landscape. This kind of luxurious tourism experience is something unique to Nobeyama.

4. Takizawa Ranch

If you want to enjoy active tourism in Nobeyama, "Takizawa Ranch," located about 1.5 km northwest of Nobeyama Station, is recommended.

At the ranch, you can experience activities like cow milking and horseback riding. In addition to interacting with animals, there is also a dog park, making it perfect for tourists with pets. Other attractions include four-wheel buggies and trampolines. At the barbecue house, you can enjoy either beef or lamb barbecue. It’s a popular tourist spot in Nobeyama where both adults and children can have fun all day long.

Another highlight of Takizawa Ranch is its soft-serve ice cream! You can savor the rich flavor of fresh milk, and with a variety of flavors to choose from, picking one is part of the fun. They also sell pudding, so be sure to try that as well.

5. Nobeyama Highlands

When it comes to Nobeyama’s tourist destinations, many people imagine the "Nobeyama Highlands." The Nobeyama Highlands is a highland area spreading out at an altitude of about 1,300 meters on the eastern foot of the Yatsugatake Mountains. It is also a production area for highland vegetables, and the sight of vast cabbage and lettuce fields against the backdrop of the mountains is truly breathtaking.

Cherry blossoms are at their best around Golden Week, summer is cool and attracts many tourists seeking a retreat from the heat, autumn offers magnificent fall foliage, and winters are extremely cold.

Cycling through the fresh highland air is highly recommended at Nobeyama Highlands. The view of the majestic Yatsugatake mountain range while cycling is exhilarating. Wherever you look, beautiful highland scenery spreads out before you. Take a leisurely tour around the Nobeyama Highlands and discover your favorite views.

Summary

As introduced, Nobeyama offers many exciting tourist spots. Other attractions include hot springs, golf, trekking, cycling, and unique local souvenirs and goods that can only be found in Nobeyama. You can even enjoy spring skiing, making it an ideal destination for families, couples, and solo travelers. Nobeyama’s tourist spots offer something for everyone.

The panoramic view of the magnificent "Yatsugatake" and "Southern Alps," with a 360-degree wide vista, is a must-see! Nobeyama tourism promises to be a trip filled with surprises and awe.