Nagano Prefecture Travel Guide｜Complete guide to recommended sightseeing spots and travel plans

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.

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.

1. 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 features beautiful black exterior walls, and during the cherry blossom season, the area around the castle is decorated with beautiful flowers, attracting many tourists.

It is recommended in the spring as well as in the fall when the leaves change color.

2. kami-kouchi

Kamikochi is famous for its spectacular views of the natural beauty of the Northern Alps.

The views of Mt. Hotaka and Mt. Yake are especially spectacular and popular among hikers and photographers.

There are also plenty of hot spring resorts and lodging facilities in the Kamikochi area.

3. zenkoji temple

Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City is an important temple in Japanese Buddhism, and attracts many devotees.

It is visited by many worshippers throughout the year and is especially famous for the pilgrimage known as "Zenkoji Pilgrimage.

Just strolling through the temple grounds is a calming spot.

4. 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.

Activities in Nagano Sightseeing Spots

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.