5 charming tourist spots in Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture, the city of wine and Lacquerware

Shiojiri City is located in central Nagano Prefecture and serves as a hub for various transportation networks from both within and outside the prefecture. This makes it relatively easy for tourists from all over Japan to visit, and the city is home to numerous scenic and sightseeing spots. With a population of approximately 67,000, Shiojiri is also renowned as a producer of high-quality wine that is recognized worldwide. Since Shinshu (Nagano) is a landlocked region with no access to the sea, salt could not be produced locally. In the past, salt merchants from the Sea of Japan region would bring salt to Shiojiri, and it is said that this area was where their supply would run out—hence the name "Shiojiri" (literally meaning "end of salt").

Shiojiri is home to many tourist attractions, and among them, here are some of the must-visit spots for anyone exploring the city.

1. Tirol no Mori

The first sightseeing spot in Shiojiri City is "Tirol no Mori."

Located in Shiojiri, "Tirol no Mori" is a comprehensive tourist theme park set at an altitude of 1,000 meters, modeled after the Tyrol region of Austria. The park is beautifully maintained with an alpine theme. Inside, visitors can enjoy pony rides, boat rides, and go-karting. The park is especially popular during the lavender blooming season when many tourists come to visit.

There is also an animal interaction area where you can meet small animals such as alpacas, as well as a park filled with various playground equipment, making it a great place to relax in Shiojiri. The spacious area is surrounded by forests and features processing and recreational facilities, allowing visitors to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy a full day of activities. There are also hands-on experiences such as butter-making and cow-milking, making it a popular destination for tourists in Shiojiri. The park also boasts a well-equipped restaurant and barbecue house, where all meals are prepared using homemade ingredients and freshly harvested vegetables from the farm, ensuring a delicious experience!

A visit to Shiojiri offers the rare experience of feeding alpacas, making this spot highly recommended for couples and families.

2. Izutsu Winery

The next sightseeing spot in Shiojiri City is "Izutsu Winery." If you're exploring Shiojiri, visiting a winery is a must. Izutsu Winery is famous for its Merlot wine, grown at an altitude of 700 meters.

On the premises, there is a trellised vineyard where you can purchase wines made exclusively from domestically grown grapes. The winery has successfully cultivated major grape varieties and has won awards at international wine competitions, earning recognition worldwide. Although factory tours are not available, visitors can enjoy shopping for wines and related products, as well as tasting sessions at the shop, making for an enjoyable sightseeing experience. The grape-based drinks produced in the natural environment of Shiojiri also make for perfect souvenirs.

Shiojiri City has several wineries that offer tours, so whether you choose to visit your favorite winery or explore multiple wineries, it’s a delightful experience that adds to the charm of sightseeing.

3. Narai-juku

The next sightseeing spot in Shiojiri City is "Narai-juku."

One of Shiojiri’s top tourist attractions, Narai-juku was the most prosperous post town among the eleven post stations along the Kiso Road. It remains a lively place where people still live today. The area is lined with Edo and Meiji period buildings, retaining a strong historical ambiance. It has been designated as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.

Shiojiri has two designated preservation districts: the lacquerware town of Kiso-Hirasawa and the post town of Narai. This makes it a unique city even on a national scale, drawing tourists from across Japan.

With its well-preserved historical atmosphere, visiting Narai-juku feels like stepping back in time to the Edo period. The streets are beautifully maintained, and the area is dotted with souvenir shops and restaurants, making it very walkable for visitors. On clear days, the contrast between the traditional townscape and the bright blue sky creates an unforgettable view.

4. Takabocchi Highlands

The next sightseeing spot in Shiojiri City is "Takabocchi Highlands."

Takabocchi Highlands is a highland area that spreads across Mount Takabocchi at an altitude of 1,665 meters, located on the eastern side of Shiojiri City. The area features the Takabocchi Highlands Nature Conservation Center as its main facility, along with flower observation areas and family recreation spaces. The view from the summit, which offers a 360-degree panorama, is simply breathtaking. Visitors can see the Northern Alps, Lake Suwa, and even Mount Fuji on clear days. Due to this spectacular view, the highlands attract many tourists from spring to autumn.

Takabocchi Highlands is about a 30-minute drive from the Shiojiri Interchange, making it a convenient destination for travelers by car. On sunny days, you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Mount Fuji and Lake Suwa. As night falls, the area also offers an incredible stargazing experience, making it a place to enjoy both day and night.

5. Hiraide Ruins

The last sightseeing spot in Shiojiri City is "Hiraide Ruins."

Hiraide Ruins, a National Historic Site in Shiojiri City, is located in an agricultural area about 2 km southwest of JR Chuo Main Line Shiojiri Station. It is considered one of Japan’s three great archaeological sites.

This is a complex archaeological site where visitors can explore the remains of settlements dating from the Jomon to Heian periods. Over 20,000 artifacts, including stone tools and pottery, have been excavated and are on display at the adjacent Hiraide Museum. The museum also houses Japan’s largest and rarest Nara-period ceramic pagoda, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts exploring Shiojiri.

◎ Summary of tourist attractions in Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture

We have introduced some of the recommended sightseeing spots in Shiojiri. However, there are many more exciting places to explore in this city.

From numerous historical sites and invaluable archaeological ruins to breathtaking natural landscapes and delicious local cuisine, Shiojiri offers a rich and diverse experience for all visitors. Exploring these attractions will create lasting memories, and you may find yourself wanting to visit again. With its perfect blend of history and nature, Shiojiri is an excellent destination for tourists of all ages.

We hope this guide serves as a helpful reference for your visit to Shiojiri. Thank you for reading until the end!