Nagano Prefecture Travel Guide with Maps: An In-Depth Look at the Best Scenic Spots and Places to Visit

Nagano Prefecture is an attractive region with magnificent nature and beautiful scenery that attracts many tourists.

With its rich history and culture, the region offers visitors an unforgettable experience.

An important part of getting around a tourist destination is the use of a good map.

This article provides information on "Nagano Prefecture Map" and introduces recommended spots, sightseeing routes, and access methods by region to help you enjoy Nagano to the fullest.

Geography and Features of Nagano Prefecture

Nagano Prefecture is known as a "mountain prefecture" surrounded by three mountain ranges, the Central Alps, the Northern Alps, and the Southern Alps, with high elevations and beautiful seasonal scenery.

The prefecture is dotted with 2,000-meter mountains and hot spring resorts, as well as many rivers and lakes, and there are places everywhere where one can feel the bounty of nature.

Geographically speaking, Nagano Prefecture has a long east-west shape, with highlands and hot springs in the south and snow-covered mountains and ski resorts in the north.

In order to enjoy the attractions of Nagano, it is important to first plan your visit using a map.

Nagano Prefecture Administrative Divisions and Tourist Areas

Nagano Prefecture is broadly divided into the following areas

• Northern Area: Hakuba, Shiga Kogen, Ueda City, and other areas where winter skiing and mountain climbing can be enjoyed.
• Chubu Area: Nagano City, Matsumoto City, Azumino, Kamikochi, and other areas with beautiful natural scenery.
• Southern Area: Lake Suwa, Ina City, and the Southern Alps are attractive areas with hot springs and plateaus.

Each area offers a wealth of sights to see and activities to do, and in order to get around the entire prefecture efficiently, it is a good idea to have a map of Nagano Prefecture in hand and decide in advance where you want to go.

We recommend the best sightseeing spots in Nagano Prefecture.
Check it out on the map

Nagano Prefecture is dotted with a great many natural and historical sights.

Here are some of the most popular tourist spots in Nagano Prefecture, based on a map.

Beautiful scenery of Matsumoto City

Matsumoto City is located in the central part of Nagano Prefecture and has an attractive landscape where the beautiful mountains of the Northern Alps and the townscape harmonize with each other.

Matsumoto Castle, designated as a national treasure, is a famous castle that retains a strong Edo period appearance.

Art galleries and cafes are scattered throughout Matsumoto, offering a taste of local culture.

How to Use Matsumoto City Tourist Attraction Map

When touring Matsumoto City, we recommend that you start at Matsumoto Castle in the center of the city and walk around the nearby museums and shopping streets.

Use a map to locate the sights and determine the route to take around the area on foot to make the most efficient tour.

Kamikochi: A Treasure Trove of Nature

Kamikochi is known as one of the most beautiful places in the Japanese Alps.

A sacred place of mountain worship, it is surrounded by deep forests, clear streams, and abundant alpine flora.

Visitors can enjoy the scenery in each of the four seasons, and it is especially popular during the fall foliage season.

Kamikochi Tourist Route

Kamikochi is generally accessible on foot from the nearest bus stop.

You can use the map of the Kamikochi area to select hiking trails.

For example, there is a walking course around Kappa Bridge and a trekking course to Mt.

Hakuba Area: Winter Activities

Hakuba Village is known as a mecca for skiing and snowboarding in winter, but it is also an area where mountain climbing and hiking can be enjoyed in summer.

The view of the Hakuba Sanzan Mountains is popular with climbers, and the large difference in elevation requires that the route be chosen according to the level of difficulty.

How to use the map of Hakuba area

Maps of Hakuba Village detail each ski resort, trailhead, and tourist attraction.

During the ski season, you can enjoy skiing efficiently by checking in advance how to access each ski resort and the lift operation status.

Nagano hot spring resorts and access by map

Nagano Prefecture is rich in hot spring resorts, and there are many places where you can spend a relaxing moment.

When visiting a hot spring resort, it is important to check the map of the area and access it efficiently.

Kusatsu Onsen: Touji and Healing

Kusatsu Onsen is located in Gunma Prefecture, next to Nagano Prefecture, but easily accessible from Nagano.

Kusatsu Onsen is famous for its abundant hot spring water and its beneficial effects.

Access to Kusatsu Onsen

Kusatsu Onsen is about a two-hour drive from Nagano Prefecture.

Use the map to identify the nearest interchanges and bus stops for smooth travel.

We also recommend that you check the map for sightseeing spots around Kusatsu Onsen and plan to enjoy both sights and hot springs as a set.

Bessho Onsen: A fusion of history and nature

Bessho Onsen is one of the oldest and most popular hot spring resorts in Nagano Prefecture, with its historic hot spring resort and surrounding natural scenery.

There are many temples and shrines in the area, as well as hot spring resorts, where you can enjoy a quiet moment.

Map of Bessho Onsen Tourist Attractions

The area around Bessho Onsen is dotted with historical buildings and cultural heritage sites. By using the map, you can enjoy sightseeing along with the hot springs.

Using a map of Nagano Prefecture
Efficient travel planning methods

Since Nagano Prefecture covers a vast area, it is important to check travel time and accessibility for each tourist destination in advance.

By using maps to create efficient sightseeing routes, visitors can visit many attractions in a limited amount of time.

Check the accessibility of each tourist attraction

Using a map and knowing how to get to each tourist attraction is key to getting around.

For example, to travel from Nagano City to Matsumoto City, one can use the Chuo Main Line or expressways.

Use the map of Nagano to plan your trip, estimating the shortest route and congestion.

Check accommodations by destination

Nagano Prefecture has many lodging facilities close to tourist attractions.

Check the map to see where you will be staying, and book accommodations in locations with easy access to tourist attractions to reduce the burden of travel.

summary

Nagano Prefecture offers many attractive tourist destinations that combine nature, history, and culture.

The map of Nagano will help you to efficiently explore the sights, hot spring resorts, and activities that will make your trip more enjoyable and fulfilling.