See, Walk, and Eat in Saku City, Nagano (Shinshu)! 4 Must-Visit Tourist Spots

Saku City is located in the eastern part of Nagano Prefecture, bordering Gunma Prefecture. It is known as the city farthest from the sea in Japan. With a population of around 100,000, Saku is a beautiful highland city surrounded by mountains—Mount Asama to the north, Mount Tateshina and the Yatsugatake mountain range to the south, and Mount Arafune to the east. The Chikuma River flows through the city from north to south, adding to its scenic beauty. Many tourists visit the area every year.

Around Saku City, you’ll find many attractions, including the historic Nakasendo post town sites, Tatsuoka Castle Goryokaku—one of only two star-shaped fortresses in Japan, Kasuga Onsen known for its skin-beautifying properties, and the Pinkoro Jizo, a deity believed to bring longevity. We’ll introduce some of the best sightseeing spots in Saku City and its surrounding areas.

1. Roadside Station "Hotpark Asashina"

"Hotpark Asashina" is the only roadside station (Michi-no-Eki) in Saku City and serves as an important stop for gathering information when visiting the area.
It is located along National Route 142, about a 15-minute drive from Saku-Minami IC. From the wide-open countryside, you can enjoy a stunning view of Mount Asama—an experience you can only get at Hotpark Asashina. The scenery changes beautifully with each season, providing a relaxing atmosphere for visitors. It's the perfect place to take a break when you're tired from sightseeing or driving.
There’s also a restaurant that serves dishes made with locally grown ingredients, especially the city's proud local rice—highly recommended! Plus, Saku City boasts one of the highest numbers of sunny days in Japan, so why not enjoy a delicious meal while gazing at the beautiful blue skies and scenic views?

2. Forest Therapy Base - Hirao no Mori

If you want to fully enjoy Saku City’s rich nature, forest bathing is highly recommended. Saku has two certified Forest Therapy Bases: "Hirao no Mori" and "Kasuga no Mori," where you can easily experience forest therapy.

Near Hirao no Mori, you’ll also find Kasuga Onsen, so combining forest therapy with a relaxing hot spring bath is sure to enhance the healing experience. Saku’s tourism truly offers "Therapeutic Sightseeing"—perfect for relaxing both body and mind.

3. Inariyama Park

Inariyama Park, located in Saku City, is a spacious 4-hectare park on Usuda Castle Mountain, known for its stunning panoramic views—making it a perfect spot for sightseeing. One of its highlights is the Cosmo Tower, a 35-meter-tall observation tower shaped like a space rocket. Surrounding it are attractions like lunar craters, a space station, a long slide inspired by the Galactic Railroad, and a garden of flowering trees—creating a rare "space-themed park" loved by both locals and tourists.
The Cosmo Tower has also been selected as one of Shinshu’s 100 Best Sunset Points. The view is incredible, so on clear days, it’s definitely worth a visit!
The two observation decks offer a 360° panoramic view of Saku Plain. On good weather days, you can even see Mount Asama to the north and the Yatsugatake Mountains to the south. It’s a sightseeing spot that both adults and children can enjoy.

4. Suetoshi Farm

When visiting Saku City, how about spending time with animals to relax and unwind?
At Suetoshi Farm, visitors—whether beginners or experienced—can enjoy horseback riding. You’ll also find friendly small animals like rabbits and hamsters, and even some rare animals to meet and interact with. It’s a popular spot for families and couples.
If you’ve always wanted to try horseback riding but felt hesitant or wish to ride more horses at a reasonable price, or simply love animals and want to take care of them, this farm can make those wishes come true.

Experiencing farm life in Saku is truly special, and it will surely become a wonderful memory. The riding club focuses on enjoying horseback riding, not competitions, so anyone can participate casually. Spending time with animals in Saku’s nature will give you unforgettable travel memories.

◎ Summary of Saku City Tourist Spots

We’ve introduced some of the must-visit tourist spots around Saku City. Rich in nature, Saku is also the second-largest city in the Eastern Shinshu area, making it one of the key cities in Nagano. It is the closest scenic spot in Shinshu from the Tokyo metropolitan area—full of charm and beautiful views.

On top of that, Saku boasts many hot springs like Kasuga Onsen, Mochizuki Onsen, and Hatsutani Onsen. Besides the attractions mentioned here, there are still many more places worth visiting. Be sure to use this guide when planning your trip to Saku City!