Nagano Prefecture Travel Guide | 25 Recommended Sightseeing Spots & A Complete Guide to Travel Itineraries
Nagano Prefecture Travel Guide
Here are some recommended tourist spots!
Nagano Prefecture is dotted with an abundance of beautiful nature, historical heritage sites, and hot spring resorts, attracting many tourists throughout the year.
This article introduces some of Nagano's tourist attractions and recommended activities for each of the four seasons.
From summer getaways in summer to ski resorts and hot springs in winter, here are some of Nagano's unique tourist attractions.
◆For those who want to visit popular spots like Matsumoto Castle and Kamikochi
◆For those who want to enjoy hot springs and hiking
◆For those who want to know the best time of year to visit Nagano
◆For those who want to check how to get to Nagano
Ranking in Popular Plans in Nagano
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Nagano Sightseeing Spots
Nagano Prefecture has beautiful natural scenery, especially in the mountainous regions.
Furthermore, there are many historical cultural assets and places of interest, and there is no shortage of tourist attractions.
Click here for bus tours that take in the sights of the city.
▼For more information about Nagano sightseeing bus tours, please click here▼.
Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle, located in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, is one of Japan's most famous castles and is designated as a national treasure.
It is characterized by its beautiful black exterior walls, and during cherry blossom season, the area around the castle is adorned with beautiful flowers, attracting many tourists. It’s highly recommended not only in spring but also during the fall foliage season.
◆Directions: About a 15- to 20-minute walk from JR Matsumoto Station (about 10 minutes by bus)
Kamikochi
Kamikochi is famous for its spectacular views of the natural beauty of the Northern Alps.
In particular, the views of Mount Hotaka and Mount Yake are spectacular and are popular with hikers and photographers. The Kamikochi area also offers a wide variety of hot springs and lodging options.
◆Access: From JR “Matsumoto Station,” take the Alpico Kotsu Kamikochi Line to “Shin-Shimashima Station” (approx. 30 minutes), then transfer to a local bus to the Kamikochi Bus Terminal (approx. 1 hour; due to year-round private vehicle restrictions, use the shuttle bus or a taxi)
↓Click here for recommended forest bathing tours in Kamikochi.
Zenkoji Temple
Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City is an important temple in Japanese Buddhism, and attracts many devotees.
It attracts many visitors throughout the year and is particularly famous for the pilgrimage known as the “Zenkō-ji Pilgrimage.” Even just strolling through the temple grounds is a soothing experience.
◆Directions: Take a bus for about 15 minutes from the Zenkoji Exit of JR Nagano Station; get off at “Zenkoji Daimon” and walk for about 5 minutes (about 25–30 minutes on foot from the station).
Hakuba Village
Hakuba Village is located in northern Nagano Prefecture and is known as a resort area for skiing and snowboarding in winter and mountain climbing and hiking in summer.
In particular, the ski resorts of Hakuba Happo One and Hakuba Iwatake attract many tourists from Japan and abroad.
◆Access: About 2 hours and 30 minutes by limited-express bus from JR "Nagano Station," or get off at "Hakuba Station" on the JR Oito Line
Click here for tours where you can enjoy Nagano's great nature.
▼ For more information about forest bathing tours, please click here▼.
Karuizawa
Known as a cool highland resort even in summer, it has long been a favorite summer retreat for many celebrities and tourists. There are many ways to enjoy the area, such as shopping in Old Karuizawa Ginza, taking a stroll around Kumoba Pond, and shopping at the outlet mall.
It's a popular spot that's easily accessible—just about an hour by Shinkansen from Tokyo—and perfect for a day trip.
◆Access: Get off at Karuizawa Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen or Shinano Railway (explore the area on foot or by bus)
Suwa Lake (Suwa Bay, Suwa Prefecture)
Located in central Nagano Prefecture, this is the largest lake in the prefecture and a beautiful spot offering scenic views throughout the four seasons. In the summer, the “Lake Suwa Festival Lake Fireworks Display” is held, and in the winter, when conditions are right, visitors may witness a natural phenomenon known as “Omiwatari.”
With a bike path and foot baths along the lakeshore, it’s a tourist spot where you can relax and enjoy nature.
◆Directions: About an 8-minute walk from "Kamisuwa Station" on the JR Chuo Main Line
▼Click here for touring tours held at Lake Suwa▼
Tsumago-juku and Magome-juku (Kiso Road)
This is a famous spot along the Nakasendo Trail that still strongly evokes the atmosphere of an Edo-period post town. With its cobblestone streets and rows of lattice-fronted houses, it makes you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time.
The “Nakasendo Hike,” a walk from Tsumago-juku to Magome-juku, is also popular and is especially recommended for history buffs and photography enthusiasts.
Jigokudani Yaen-koen
This is a world-famous tourist spot known for its Japanese macaques soaking in hot springs.
Especially during the snowy winter months, the sight of monkeys relaxing in the steaming open-air baths is magical and attracts many foreign tourists. It’s a spot where you can enjoy the rare experience of observing wild monkeys up close.
◆Directions: About a 15-minute bus ride from "Yudanaka Station" on the Nagano Electric Railway Nagano Line, followed by a 35-minute walk from the bus stop
Shiga Kogen
Spanning an area at an elevation of 1,500 meters or higher, this is one of Japan’s leading ski resorts, renowned for its rich natural environment, which has been designated as a UNESCO Eco-Park.
This mountain resort offers activities year-round, from winter sports in the winter to hiking and viewing alpine flowers in the summer.
◆Directions: About 70 minutes by express bus from the East Exit of JR Nagano Station
Azumino
This area boasts beautiful rural scenery against the backdrop of the Northern Alps. Dotted with wasabi fields and natural springs, it’s the perfect place to leisurely enjoy nature while cycling or hiking.
With its many art museums and art spots, it’s a relaxing place where you can enjoy both art and nature while taking a stroll.
◆Directions: About a 1-minute walk from "Hotaka Station" on the JR Oito Line
▼Click here for the Azumino Go-Kart Experience▼
Senjōjiki Cirque (Mt. Komagatake Ropeway)
It’s a scenic spot where you can reach a world at an elevation of 2,612 meters in just 7 and a half minutes via the Mt. Komagatake Ropeway.
The area features vast cirque landscapes formed by glaciers, and its appeal lies in the fact that visitors can easily enjoy the breathtaking scenery of each season—flower meadows of alpine plants in summer, autumn foliage in fall, and snowy landscapes in winter.
◆Directions: From Komagane Station on the JR Iida Line, take a bus via Suganodai Bus Center to Shirabidaira Station (approx. 45 minutes), then take the ropeway to Senjojiki Station (approx. 7 minutes and 30 seconds).
Takato Joshi Park
This is a famous cherry blossom spot known as “the finest cherry blossoms in the land,” and it has been selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.
In the spring, approximately 1,500 Takato Kohigan cherry trees bloom in full splendor, creating a breathtaking scene as the entire castle ruins area is bathed in pink—a sight not to be missed. Even outside of cherry blossom season, this is a great spot to enjoy a stroll through history.
◆Directions: About 25 minutes by bus from "Ina-shi Station" on the JR Iida Line; get off at Takato Station and walk about 20 minutes
almsgiving
This small castle town is known for its connection to Hokusai and is also famous as a leading producer of chestnut confections. As you stroll through the Hokusai Museum and the town’s streets, you can sample chestnut confections and other sweets from long-established shops.
Since it's a compact area, it's the perfect spot for a half-day sightseeing trip.
◆Directions: About a 10-minute walk from Obuse Station on the Nagano Electric Railway
Nozawa Hot Spring
This popular hot spring town and ski resort retains the charm of a traditional hot spring town. Its 13 free public baths are a local specialty, and strolling through the town in a yukata is also a popular experience.
It's the perfect destination for a trip to enjoy skiing in the winter and hot springs and fine dining during the other seasons.
◆Directions: About 25 minutes by bus from Iiyama Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen
Shibu Onsen
This historic hot spring town is famous for its “Nine Hot Springs Tour,” which takes visitors to nine public bathhouses. The retro streetscape, lined with wooden ryokan inns, is full of charm, and as night falls, the lights come on, adding even more atmosphere.
It's also close to Jigokudani Monkey Park, so we recommend visiting both while you're there.
◆Directions: About a 5-minute taxi ride (or about a 7-minute bus ride) from Yudanaka Station on the Nagano Electric Railway
Utsukushigahara Highlands
Located on a vast plateau at an elevation of around 2,000 meters, this is a scenic spot offering a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view. It is also known as a grazing area for cattle, and the landscape is peaceful and serene.
Many people visit here as part of a drive along the Venus Line, and it stays cool and comfortable even in the summer.
◆Access: About 75 minutes by direct bus to the Utsukushigahara Highlands from JR "Matsumoto Station" (summer only)
Ueda Castle
This historic site is known as a famous castle associated with the Sanada clan and rose to prominence overnight thanks to the NHK Taiga drama “Sanada Maru.”
It is renowned as a sturdy castle that repelled the Tokugawa forces twice, and is also a popular spot for cherry blossoms. At the museum located within the castle ruins, you can learn all about the history of the Sanada clan.
◆Directions: About a 12-minute walk from the Castle Exit of JR Ueda Station
The Terraced Rice Fields of Obasute
This beautiful landscape of terraced rice fields has long been celebrated in waka poetry as “the moon over each rice field.”
The view from Obasute Station—considered one of Japan’s three greatest train views—is breathtaking, offering a panoramic view of the Zenkoji Plain. It’s also known as a great spot for night views, where you can enjoy a romantic scene.
◆Directions: About a 10-minute walk from Obasute Station on the JR Shinonoi Line
Achi Village (Hirugami Onsen · Japan's Best Starry Sky)
This tourist destination shot to fame after being recognized as having “Japan’s best starry sky.” At night, night tours—where visitors take the Sky Lift to the mountaintop to admire the star-filled sky—are very popular.
The Hirugami Hot Springs are also located nearby, so you can enjoy a trip that combines stargazing with a hot spring getaway.
◆Directions: About 40 minutes by bus from "Iida Station" on the JR Iida Line
Tateshina Highlands
This highland resort, located at the foot of the Yatsugatake Mountains, has long been a popular summer retreat.
Set in a lush natural environment dotted with birch forests and lakes and marshes, the area offers a variety of activities, including hiking, camping, and visiting hot springs. Summers here are cool, making it a popular summer retreat.
◆Directions: About 30 minutes by bus from "Chino Station" on the JR Chuo Main Line
Kurumayama Plateau
From the summit of Mt. Kurumayama, the highest peak in the Kirigamine Highlands, a 360-degree panoramic view unfolds.
In summer, you can enjoy flower fields filled with alpine plants like the Nikko buttercup, and in winter, you can go skiing; another attraction is that you can easily reach the summit using the ski lifts. It’s also recommended for beginner hikers.
◆Directions: About 50 minutes by bus from JR "Chino Station"
Lake Shirakaba
Located at an elevation of 1,416 meters, this highland lake is a popular resort area for families. The lakeshore features an amusement park and a boat rental facility, and the surrounding area is dotted with art museums and theme parks.
It’s a popular destination in the summer as a summer retreat and in the winter for its beautiful holiday lights.
◆Directions: About 45 minutes by bus from JR "Chino Station"
Daio Wasabi Farm
This is one of Japan’s largest wasabi farms and a symbol of Azumino. Vast wasabi fields stretch out, irrigated by pure spring water, and visitors can enjoy walking tours and boat rides down the river.
The famous wasabi soft-serve ice cream is a must-try, and it’s also a popular photo spot known as a movie filming location.
◆Directions: About a 10-minute taxi ride from Hotaka Station on the JR Oito Line
Bessho Hot Spring
This historic hot spring resort, also known as the “Kamakura of Shinshu,” is dotted with ancient temples, such as Anrakuji Temple, which houses a National Treasure: an octagonal three-story pagoda.
The Kitamuki Kannon and the public bath tour are also popular attractions, making this a tranquil hot spring town where you can enjoy both a historical stroll and soaking in the hot springs at the same time.
◆Directions: Right next to Bessho Onsen Station on the Ueda Electric Railway Bessho Line
Naraijuku
It is known as the longest post town along the Nakasendo Road, and its Edo-period streetscape has been preserved along a stretch of approximately 1 km.
This section of the Kiso Road is particularly well-preserved, and the sight of the historic inns and shops lining the street is truly spectacular. Just strolling through the area is enough to fully immerse yourself in its historic atmosphere.
◆Directions: About a 5-minute walk from "Narai Station" on the JR Chuo Main Line
Fun in Nagano's Sightseeing Spots
Popular Activities
Nagano offers a wide variety of sightseeing activities that allow visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature.
Outdoor activities, hot spring tours, and local gourmet experiences that can be enjoyed in each of the four seasons are also recommended.
1. hiking and mountain climbing
Nagano's mountainous terrain offers a wealth of hiking and mountaineering opportunities. In particular, the Kamikochi, Shiga Kogen, and Yatsugatake areas offer a wide range of courses for both beginners and advanced climbers. Visitors can enjoy mountain climbing while enjoying nature in each of the four seasons.
Recommended for beginners!
Click here for popular hiking plans in Nagano
2. tour of hot springs
Nagano Prefecture is rich in hot spring resorts, ideal for travelers who want to relax.
Local hot springs can be enjoyed in various locations, including Nozawa Onsen, Yudanaka Onsen, and Bessho Onsen.
You can stay at a hot spring hotel and enjoy the beautiful scenery of nature while spending time for healing.
3. enjoy local delicacies
Nagano Prefecture is rich in delicious local foods. Shinshu soba (buckwheat noodles), vegetables, wild plants, and fruits are just a few of the many delicacies available.
In particular, Shinshu soba (buckwheat noodles) is one of Nagano's most popular gourmet foods, and you can enjoy authentic soba in many places.
▼Click here for tours in Nagano where you can enjoy cycling.
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▼ Learn more about electrically power assisted bicycles
Nagano's Tourist Season and Best Season
Nagano Prefecture has different attractions in each of the four seasons.
Every season offers a different way to enjoy the area, so the attractions of sightseeing will change depending on the timing of your visit.
Spring (March - May)
Spring is the season of beautiful cherry blossoms and fresh greenery in Nagano. Cherry blossoms at Matsumoto Castle and walks among the fresh greenery in Kamikochi are popular.
↓Click here for a bicycle tour that is perfect for nature walks.
Enjoy nature to the fullest! Click here for Cycling Tour Ranking
Summer (June-August)
In summer, Nagano Prefecture is an ideal summer resort. Visitors can enjoy hiking and mountain climbing in Kamikochi and Shiga Kogen.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn foliage is one of the greatest attractions of Nagano Prefecture. Visitors can enjoy beautiful autumn scenery in Hakuba Village and Kamikochi, famous for its autumn foliage.
↓Enjoy nature! Click here for athletic tours ↓.
Winter (December to February)
Winter is the season for skiing and snowboarding. Hakuba and Shiga Kogen ski resorts are famous for their excellent snow quality.
↓Snowshoeing & Snowshoeing & Snowshoeing
Click here for snow trekking tours
How to get to Nagano
Nagano Prefecture is easily accessible by public transportation or car.
It is accessible from Tokyo by Shinkansen bullet train or highway bus, and is also a pleasant drive by car.
1. shinkansen
It takes about 1.5 hours from Tokyo to Nagano by Shinkansen. Using the Hokuriku Shinkansen, you can comfortably reach Nagano and Matsumoto.
2. access by car
Nagano Prefecture is accessible by car from Tokyo in about 3 to 4 hours. It is convenient to use the Chuo Expressway or Nagano Expressway.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Nagano Prefecture Tourism Guide
(FAQ)
summary
Nagano Prefecture offers a wide variety of tourist attractions, including natural beauty, historical and cultural assets, and hot spring resorts.
With seasonal activities and local delicacies to enjoy, this is a place where you can discover new attractions each time you visit.
Enjoy a wonderful sightseeing experience in Nagano.
▼Click here for articles to read in conjunction with this article.
