Travel / Tourism Spots in Nagano Area

  • National Treasure Matsumoto Castle
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    4.5
    3635 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagano Pref. Matsumotoshi Marunouchi 4-1
    "Matsumoto Castle is said to feature Japan's oldest surviving five-storied six-floor pagoda. It is one of the few castles designated as a National Treasure, and maintains the image of the past. The black and white contrast of the castle rising amid the Alps in the background is beautiful, and the castle has become a symbol of Matsumoto City. In addition to the castle facilities of the Sengoku period, such as the stone drops meant to rebuff invaders, or samurai windows or the gun slits, there are exhibits such as the ""Matsumoto Castle Gunhouse"" centered around matchlock guns, and artifacts unearthed during the ninomaru palace excavation performed from 1979-1984. In the precinct, you'd do well to see the black gate with eave roof tiles marked with the family crests of historical castle lords, or the taiko gate which was restored in 1999."

    In contrast to Himeji castle, Matsumoto castle is black, and is often called the Black Crow because of its colour. Good photos are taken from near the red bridge. It is also lit up at...

  • Zenkoji Temple
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    4.5
    1970 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagano Pref. Naganoshi Naganomotoyoshichou 491-b
    "Located in Nagano City, this temple does not belong to any sect. Any sect is free to worship here, which has received veneration for having Japan's oldest Ikko Sanson Amida Nyorai as the main deity. During the Edo period, it was said that ""once in your life, visit Zenkoji Temple,"" The ""oasaji"" is performed every day during the sunrise. If you purchase a ticket for the inner sanctum, you can worship up close. The ""zenritsu honzon"" is performed once every seven years. About 15 minutes by bus from JR Nagano Station."

    This temple is absolutely beautiful and our favourite so far having visited many of the shrines and temples in Tokyo. There are much less tourists here which gives you the opportunity to savour and...

  • Daio Wasabi Farm
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    4.0
    766 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nagano Pref. Aduminoshi Hotaka 3640
    This vast wasabi farm in Azumino spans a space equal to 11 Tokyo Domes. Entry is free and the farm is open every day year-round. In addition to wasabi fields and a processing plant, visitors can enjoy the tranquil waterside scenery, including a water mill used in a Kurosawa’s film. The farm’s shop sells unique products found nowhere else such as wasabi soft serve ice cream and wasabi-don rice bowls. If traveling by train, a 10-minute taxi ride from Hotaka Station on the JR Oito Line.

    There are a couple of wasabi farms in the area but this one seems more popular, perhaps as it is the closest to the train station. There are several walks there, as well as a wasabi statue. In the...

  • Suwa Taisha (Suwa Grand Shrine) Kamisha Honmiya
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    4.5
    462 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagano Pref. Suwashi Nakasu 1
    Suwa Taisha (Suwa Grand Shrine) Kamisha Honmiya, one of the oldest shrines in the country and the head shrine of over 10,000 Suwa shrines throughout Japan, has no main building, but only a “heihaiden” and a “katahaiden,” a unique style known as the Suwa style. Many precious buildings remain, and six of them are registered as Important Cultural Properties. In olden times, people worshiped at Suwa Myojin to pray to the guardian deities of wind, water, and the harvest, as well as brave men. Nowadays, it is believed to house the deity that guards life and livelihood. It’s about five minutes from the Suwa Interchange on the Chuo Expressway.

    Parts of the Suwa Taisha shrine complex date back to the 7th century and possibly earlier. The shrines honour the gods of agriculture, hunting, and fertility. There are many differing legends, myths...

  • Narai-juku (post town)
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    4.5
    354 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagano Pref. Shiojirishi Narai
    Long ago, the Nakasendo was an important highway connecting Edo and Kyoto, and many travelers stopped at the post town of Narai-juku before or after crossing the Torii Pass following this route. The post town once prospered due to the many people moving along the highway, and the town was even described as “Narai Sen-ken” (1,000 buildings of Narai). Narai was quite large, and divided into three districts—uptown, midtown, and downtown, and today the townscape remains mostly unchanged from its heyday. In 1978, the post town was designated an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.

    It was great to get to Narai-juku early in the morning before all the shops opened & the arrival of bus loads of tourists. We parked our vehicle for 500 yen @ the train station. Convenient & clean...

  • Togakushi Shrine Chusha
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    4.0
    271 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagano Pref. Naganoshi Togakushi 3506
    The enshrined deity is Ame no Yagokoro Omoikane no Mikoto, the originator of Iwato Kagura (sacred dance). Kagura is a collective term given to the theatrical dances that are dedicated to the God of the shrine at festival time. In Japanese mythology there is a story about Ama-no-Iwato (literally “The cave of the sun goddess”) where Ame no Yagokoro Omoikane no Mikoto created the chance for Amaterasu (the Sun Goddess), who was hiding in the cave, to open the door and come out. The divine virtues of this shrine are good luck, warding off evil, prosperous business, peace and prosperity in the household and academic achievement. The dragon painting on the ceiling of the main shrine was painted by Kawanabe Kyosai of the Kano School and was restored in 2003. In the grounds of the shrine is a sacred tree over 700 years old.

    The old wooden torii gate here is impressive, and like other spots in Togakushi there are some very nice imposing cryptomeria (Japanese cedar) trees, including a three-trunked holy tree behind the...

  • Kurumayama-kogen Highland
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    4.5
    329 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagano Pref. Chinoshi Kitayama 3413
    This is a beautiful highland that spreads out around Mt. Kuruma, the highest peak in the Kirigamine Mountain Range, where around 600 types of alpine plants grow. The view from Mt. Kuruma’s summit is exquisite, overlooking the Southern Alps (Akaishi Mountains), Mt. Fuji, Mt. Yatsugatake and the Asama Mountain Range. In summer one can enjoy hiking or trekking, and in winter skiing.

    Easy to climbing to the top from the nearest parking. We can enjoy its view like Kirigamine Prairie and Lake Shilakaba.

  • Manbei Hotel
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    4.0
    372 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagano Kitasaku-gun Karuizawamachi Karuizawa 925

    We went to this hotel for afternoon, and it was wonderful. Biking around the hotel was very relaxing and picturesque. The hotel has a lot of history, and John Lennon used to stay here. We ordered a...

  • Nakamachi Street
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    4.0
    418 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagano Pref. Matsumotoshi Chuou 3-2-14
    White wall and black namako (raised plaster) storehouses stand side-by-side along Nakamachi Street, making it fun to walk down and peruse the many individual general stores, souvenir shops, cafes, sweet shops and restaurants. The symbolic former brewery Nakamachi Kurassic-kan is a distinctive building with a teahouse looking onto a courtyard, a hand pump water well, and atrium beams. Visitors will enjoy the enjoyable, atmospheric townscape.

    This is a better option if you are looking for some shopping, cafes and historical buildings. A good street to walk and explore with a lot to see. It gives a glimpse of life back then.

  • Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway
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    4.0
    251 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagano Pref. Chinoshi Kitayama 4035-2541
    This large ropeway, able to carry 100 people, is located at the northern tip of the Yatsugatake mountain range and connects Mt. Kita Yokodake and Mt. Shimagare. It takes about seven minutes to reach Yokodake-Tsuboniwa summit station with an altitude of 2237 meters from the station at the base of the mountain with an altitude of 1771 meters. The magnificent view of the mountains seen from the gondola window is spectacular, and is especially popular among mountaineers.

    My daughter enjoyed this a lot! It was a great hike for us. It’s worth a trip! The rope way runs like every 20 minutes. We came early so less people and not so crowded. This is good for a family...

  • Yohashira-jinja Shrine
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    4.0
    324 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagano Pref. Matsumotoshi Ote 3-3-20
    This shrine located in the Ote district of Nagano Prefecture’s Matsumoto City mainly enshrines four deities: Ame-no-Minakanushi-no-Kami, Takamimusubi-no-Kami, Kamimusubi-no-Kami, and Amaterasu Omikami. It attracts fervent believers as the deity who connects wishes and makes all requests come true and is also popular as a “power spot” (a location thought to be flowing with mystical energy). Among the locals it is affectionately called Shinto-san. The Shinto Festival is a procession that is held every year from October 1st–3rd, and is a representative festival of Matsumoto bustling with yatai food stalls, exhibitions of butai-hoei floats and an offering of fireworks.

    Yohashira is a lovely and peaceful spot and an active shrine. The grounds are small-ish but there are plantings and a few buildings. You can sit or wander. Local residents will come to make offerings...

  • National Treasure-designated Former Kaichi School
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    4.0
    349 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagano Matsumoto-shi Kaichi 2-4-12
    This elementary school opened in 1873 as the Dai-ni Daigaku-ku Dai-ichiban Shogaku Kaichi Gakko. The current structure was built in 1876, and approximately 70% of the construction expenses were funded by donations from the townspeople. It is a representative structure of Giyofu Kenchiku (imitation of Western-style architecture) and inside are displays of materials that give the visitor an impression of what it looked like back then.

    The Former Kaichi School was founded in 1873, Construction was completed in 1876 and it served as a functional school for 90-years until 1963. Having been designated an important cultural asset in...

  • Matsushiro Castle Ruins
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    4.0
    182 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagano Pref. Naganoshi Matsushiromachi Matsushiro 44
    These castle ruins are located in Nagano City. The castle was constructed as the base for the Takeda side during the Battles of Kawanakajima between Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin. It is a natural fortress that uses the Chikuma River as a moat. In addition, Sanada became the ruler in the Edo period (1603-1868), and it developed into the castle town of Sanada Jumangoku. Destroyed in the Meiji period (1868-1912), only the stone walls of the buildings remained, but now the gate and earthworks are maintained.

    There are two types of Japanese castles. One is called Yamajiro and these are constructed on a mountain and the other is built in a fields. This one is the latter. The place is surrounded by the...

  • Hokusai-kan
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    4.0
    225 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagano Pref. Kamitakaigunobusemachi Obuse 485
    This museum was built to commemorate famed artist Katsushika Hokusai, who stayed in Obuse several times from the age of 83 and left several works behind there. The museum displays hanging scrolls and hand-painted pictures by Hokusai as well as videos which present the history of the artist. The main exhibition room contains two festival floats whose ceilings were painted with Hokusai's Surging Waves and Dragon and Chinese Phoenix. A 12-minute walk from Obuse Station.

    I happily found out about the Hokusai-kan museum from my hotel proprietor and I was able to make a stop off in Obuse on my way back to Nagano. Hokusai-kan is situated in a great part of the town and...

  • Kamikochi
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagano Pref. Matsumotoshi Adumi
    Kamikochi is an approximately 1,500 meter high gorge in the Chubu Sangaku National Park. Known as one of the top mountain scenic spots in the country it is designated as a special place of scenic beauty and natural monument. It is a gateway to the Northern Alps (Hida Mountains) and many tourists, mainly climbers and photographers visit each year. To help protect the environment the use of cars is restricted so it is recommended to use a shuttle bus service or taxi.
  • Lake Shirakaba
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    3.5
    211 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagano Pref. Chinoshi Kitayama Shirakabako
    Lake Shirakaba, with a circumference of four kilometers, was originally a pond created as a reservoir for farm use. You’ll find an amusement park, golf course, ski resort, hotels, and other facilities around this area, making it one of Shinshu’s top resort spots. Throngs of people visit every year.

    We walked around this lake! So quiet and relaxing! And in the morning it was so foggy that you could hardly see the lake and so cold!

  • Suwa Takashima Castle
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    3.5
    204 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagano Pref. Suwashi Takashima 1-20-1
    "A park and castle site situated along Prefectural Route 50 in Takashima, Suwa City. Takashima Castle was built 400 years ago by Hineno Takayoshi, a vassal of the Toyotomi clan. An impregnable castle surrounded by Lake Suwa, the sight of the stronghold floating on the lake's water has resulted in it gaining the nickname, ""the Floating Castle of Suwa."" The castle tower was restored in 1970 and is used as a museum which presents materials on the history of Suwa Domain and Takashima Castle. The surrounding park is a renowned cherry blossom viewing destination in spring."

    This castle is located in a walking distance from the station Kamisuwa. It is surrounded by a moat and has a park with a pond and flower garden. Unfortunately, the castle had been rebuilt relatively...

  • Chihiro Art Museum Azumino
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    4.5
    182 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nagano Pref. Kitadumigunmatsukawamura Nishihara 3358-24
    This art museum located inside of the Azumino Chihiro Park in the Matsukawa Village district of Kita-Azumi County, Nagano Prefecture collects and displays works by picture book artists from around the world including Chihiro Iwasaki. In addition to displays about Chihiro’s representative works, related items, and career, the museum also introduces the history of picture books and a collection of original pictures from picture books around the world. The museum is complete with facilities sure to delight children such as a reading room where they can read their choice from approximately 3,000 picture books as well as a play area for small children. There is also a picture book café where visitors can relax while gazing out at Japan’s Northern Alps (Hida Mountains).

    The grounds here are lovely, in a perfect park setting, completely wonderful for children to play and explore with their families. Chihiro loved children, as evident in her art and exemplified in...

  • Hiroshi Senju Museum Karuizawa
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    4.5
    168 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nagano Pref. Kitasakugunkaruizawamachi Nagakura 815
    Located in Karuizawa Town, Kitasaku County, Nagano Prefecture, this private art museum exhibits the works it owns created by artist Hiroshi Senju, a modern Japanese painter who is active around the world. The building was designed by architect Ryue Nishizawa and has large glass windows that give it a bright and spacious atmosphere. It also has a beautiful garden with various trees and plants, and is a creative space that achieves harmony with nature. The museum holds exhibitions that introduce Senju’s works as well as special exhibitions according to different themes. There are also a bakery café and shop, and guests can relax and enjoy art and nature.

    A unique approach to defining a building, well worth the visit. Unfortunately the art, while well-executed, is not cohesive and sometimes derivative. I tried to imagine the experience of the building...

  • Suwa Grand Shrine Shimosha Akimiya
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    4.0
    143 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagano Pref. Suwagunshimosuwamachi 5828
    A Shinto shrine located in Shimosuwa Town, Suwa County, Nagano Prefecture. The Akimiya is one of six shrines which comprise Suwa Grand Shrine, the head shrine of some 25 thousand Suwa shrines located across the country. Worshipped for providing abundant harvests and granting bravery since ancient times, in recent times the shrine has also come to be worshipped for protecting life and livelihood. The Kagura-den hall, with an eye-catching giant rope hanging in front, and the two-storied Heihai-den (worship and offering hall) are designated Important Cultural Properties. Other shrine highlights include the Neiri no Sugi, an 800-year old Japanese cedar tree. The shrine is famous for the Ombashira Festival held every seven years, as well as the Boat Festival (Ofune Matsuri) held on August 1.

    諏訪大社 下社 秋に訪問しました。4つの宮のうちの一つです。春宮までは徒歩で移動することは可能です。上社までは市も違いますので車での移動が必要になります。春宮よりは大きいので人が多くいました。社の中は静かな雰囲気の中に格式があるように感じました。

Nagano Areas

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Nagano prefecture is an exciting mix of mountains, hot spring monkeys, and preserved Edo history. At the heart of the Japanese Alps, Nagano is one of the country’s most popular destinations, whether in winter for its snow sports and the much-loved Jigokudani Monkey Park or in the warmer months for discovering the undulating hills on foot. For fantastic Edo architecture, head to the Kiso Valley for a 60-kilometer stretch of quaint wooden buildings that marked the Nakasendo route 200 years ago.

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