History / Culture / Tour Spots in Nagano Area

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Category

Travel / Tourism

History / Culture / Tour

Togakushi Folk Museum / Togakushi Ninja Museum / Ninja Trick Mansion

4.5

85 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Naganoshi Togakushi 3688-12

This is a facility in the Togakushi ninja village in Togakushi, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture, separated into three buildings: the Togakushi Folk Museum, the Togakushi Ninja Museum, and the Ninja Trick Mansion. The Togakushi Folk Museum, restored from an Edo period rice tax granary building, displays 2,000 items relating to everyday items that support local customs. The Togakushi Ninja Museum has around 500 items including ninja tools and various ninja documents by which one can learn about Togakushi ninja arts. The Ninja Trick Mansion is full of activities that even adults can enjoy like children. With a shuriken (throwing star) dojo and coffee house, it is a spot that adults and children can play around for a whole day.

Maybe not worth a trip on its own unless youre really into ninjas, but if youre visiting Togakushi Shrine this is definitely worth a side trip.
Motozenkoji Temple

4.0

92 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Idashi Zakouji 2638

This temple is in Zakoji, Iida City. It is said to have been established in Yoshimitsu Honda’s hometown when he encountered Amida Buddha on his way to the capital in the 10th year of Empress Suiko’s reign (602). Afterwards, the Amida Buddha was transferred to Nagano City, where it is currently, and became established as Zenkoji Temple, which was named after Yoshimitsu. Visiting only Zenkoji Temple or Motozenkoji Temple is considered “unbalanced worship,” so many worshipers visit both.

元善光寺のことを知るとすぐに行きたくなり、飯田線の旅に出ました。駅から近いので、体力に自信がない方でもお参りに行けると思います。お戒壇めぐりもしました。時間がなかったので、有料のところは行かなかったのですが、次回はゆっくりしたいです。おみくじを引きました。常に心がけていることが書いてあり、このまま変わらなくていんだと勇気をくれました。平日だとおまんじゅう屋さん休みのようなので購入出来なかったのが...
Matsumoto Timepiece Museum

4.0

130 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nagano Pref. Matsumotoshi Chuou 1-21-15

This museum displays a wide range of timepieces centering on a collection donated by antique timepiece researcher Chikazo Honda. The museum has a policy of displaying each timepiece in its collection (which contains more than 1,000 items) in working condition whenever possible. The museum also exhibits a number of phonographs, which have a deep connection to the history of timepieces. The museum is notable for the massive pendulum clock, one of Japan's largest, which is built into the front of the building. The museum is a 10-minute walk from JR Matsumoto Station.

If you are curious about technology or history this is a fascinating museum. Who knew the Egyptians invented the hourglass as an advance over water to tell time. There were candles for predetermined...
Sanada-jinja Shrine

4.0

104 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Uedashi Ninomaru Ueda castle ruins park

Sanada-jinja Shrine has the lords of Ueda Castle—Sanada, Sengoku, and Matsudaira—as its primary enshrined deities. After the Meiji Restoration, it was reclaimed by the government, sold to a private owner, and built on remains of Ueda Castle. You can see the large Sanada well and a big helmet decorated with a Cervus horn said to have been worn by Yukimura Sanada himself. It’s a 15-minute walk from JR Ueda Station, or about 15 minutes from the Ueda Sugadaira Interchange on the Nagano Expressway.

This is inside the Ueda Castle and features a number of buildings. It seems to get a bit of use with quite a few requests left for action by the gods. There is a good view out from the castle walls...
Matsushiro Zozan Chikago

4.0

97 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Naganoshi Matsushiromachi Nishijou 479-11

Near the end of World War II, this underground vault was secretly built as the final base for the decisive battle on the mainland. It was dug under three locations: Mt. Maizuru, Mt. Minakami, and Mt. Zozan, like a square on a checkerboard. Extensions brought the total length to about 10 kilometers. From the start of the Heisei period, a sightseeing course in the zone managed by Nagano City about 500 meters large was created to display the war site.

・無料にて利用させていただきました。受付は必要となります。 ※訪問時、この場所には駐車場はありませんので、無料で利用できる近くの「松代代官町駐車場...
Sanada Treasure Museum

4.0

93 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nagano Pref. Naganoshi Matsushiromachi Matsushiro 4-1

The Sanada Treasure Museum opened in 1966 to display the various battle articles and furniture handed over by the 12th-generation head of the Sanada household, Koji Sanada. Among the exhibited items are the “Aoe war sword,” considered an Important Cultural Property, the “Nobori Hashigo armor used by Masayuki Sanada, documents from Takeda Shingen, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Ishida Mitsunari, and Tokugawa Ieyasu, and more for a collection of about 50,000 articles total. Exhibitions are rotated four times a year, and there are workshops and other experiences as well. It’s about 10 minutes from the Nagano Interchange on the Joshin-Etsu Expressway.

We followed the advice from other posters. We took the #30 Bus from the JR Nagano Station busstop #3. About 30 min and 650 Yen later we arrived at the transit center and walked about two blocks to...
Ikushima Tarushima-jinja Shrine

4.0

81 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Uedashi Shimonogou Naka Pond 701

A Shinto shrine standing along Prefectural Route 65 in Shimonogo, Ueda City. Dedicated to the gods Ikushima no Kami and Tarushima no Kami, just when the shrine was founded is not clear. The shrine is, however, ancient and pedigreed, having been worshipped at by successive generations of emperors and numerous samurai. The shrine possesses many valuable ancient texts designated National Important Cultural Property, including a written request of victory by Takeda Shingen and a document recognizing the shrine's ownership of the land.

知識が無いせいか、ご由緒を読んでも良く分からない神様です。生島大神は万物を生み育て生命力を与え、足島大神は国中を満ち足らしめ人々の願いに満足を与えてくれるそうです。上田電鉄下之郷駅スグです。コイに餌をあげたのが一番の思い出になりました。
“Mugonkan” Memorial Art Museum for Fallen Art Students

4.5

68 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nagano Pref. Uedashi Koaso 3462

Mugonkan was born when Seiichiro Kuboshima acquired half the Shinshu Dessan Building in 1997 to exhibit works left behind by art students who fell in battle. You can see exhibitions of fallen students’ art pieces and easels. It’s about 30 minutes by car from the Sakaki Interchange on the Joshin-Etsu Expressway.

長年訪問したかった「無言館」。日曜日だったので混雑していてじっくり見ることが出来ず、残念でしたが、やはり心に訴えるものがありました。戦争という悲しい歴史がなかったら、さぞやご活躍なされただろうと思う方の作品も多くあり、本当に残念な思いがしました。次回は、ゆっくりじっくり見学したいと思います。
Takato Castle Ruins (Takato Castle Ruins Park)

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Inashi Takatomachihigashitakato

These castle ruins are located in Higashitakato, Takato-machi, Ina City. Built on a hill surrounded by flatland, the castle was the seat of power of the Takato Clan. It would later end up in the hands of a string of success owners including Takeda, Hoshina, Torii, and Naito clans before being abandoned in 1872. It is best known for being the site of the Battle of Takato Castle between Takeda and Oda forces in 1582. Today, the castle's moat, earthen main gate, and other archeological remnants still remain. The entire area has been developed into the Takato Castle Ruins Park. Famous for its cherry blossoms, the approximately 1,500 Takato kohigan cherries which bloom in the park in the spring have been designated as a Prefectural Natural Monument.
Togariishi Museum of Jomon Archaeology

4.5

65 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nagano Chino-shi Toyohira 4734-132

This museum is located inside the Togaishi Ruins, a historic site and park which is considered one of the best examples of Jomon culture sites found at the foot of the Yatsugatake Mountains. The museum displays around 2,000 artefacts created by the Jomon people, who flourished here 5,000 years ago. The area at the foot of the Yatsugatake Mountains is the location of one of the largest caches of obsidian, a material used to make stone tools, in Japan, and it is believed the Jomon people flourished here due to the forests which grew here and provided broadleaf tree seeds as well as ample deer, wild boar, and river fish hunting. The museum's Jomon Venus, a deformed depiction of a pregnant woman; and Masked Goddess statue are valuable cultural properties which have been designated National Treasures.

I went there after seeing the English website and being super excited about getting to do some hands-on craft. After extensive web research, I managed to get there on a day they were open and...
Rokuzan Art Museum

4.0

88 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nagano Pref. Aduminoshi Hotaka 5095-1

This facility was opened in 1958 with the goal of preserving the works of Rokuzan Ogiwara, nicknamed the “Rodin of the East.” In addition to his masterpiece carvings such as “Woman” and “Despair,” the museum also displays the works of Kotaro Takamura, who was deeply connected to Rokuzan. The impressive building, covered in ivy and church-like in appearance, is beloved as a symbol of the Azumino region. A 10-minute walk from JR Hotaka Station.

安曇野を訪問した際、最も行きたかった美術館。まず、今井兼次設計の赤レンガの美術館そのものが見所満載。ドアの取っ手や、暖炉など細かいところも興味深い。館内の展示も素晴らしい。碌山の代表作、女をはじめとして、時間を忘れてしまいます。美術ファン、建築ファンには強くおすすめです。
Togakushi-jinja Shrine

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Naganoshi Togakushi

Togakushi-jinja Shrine is located at the foot of Mt. Togakushi, Nagano City and consists of five shrines each named Okusha, Chusha, Hokosha, Kuzuryusha and Hinomikosha. It is said that the temple’s origins lie in the Iwato legend of mythology, and has been worshiped by many people as a sacred place since ancient times. The avenue of 400-year-old cedar tree which cover the approach road to Okusha have a powerful lure and this area was also used as a shooting location by commercials. There are also points on the road between the shrines with steep drops, so it is recommended to wear clothes which are easy to walk in if you plan to walk around by foot.
Nunobiki Kannon Shakusonji Temple

4.5

50 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Komoroshi Okubo 2250

"This is the common name of Shakusonji Temple, a temple of the Tendai Sect of Buddhism located in Komoro City, Nagano Prefecture. Famous as the birthplace of the legend of ""a cow led a woman to Zenkoji Temple,"" the temple is dedicated to Kannon Bodhisattva. The Kannondo Kuden is a nationally Important Cultural Property, and Hakusansha Shaden is a designated Prefectural Treasure. In addition, it is the 29th temple of the Shinano 33 Kannon Sacred Places, drawing visits by many worshippers."

One of the spiritual center in Japan.the monk used to study here.one of the the temples here is on the cliff! U should check the pic.that is very unique even in Japan .must see. If u are lucky, u...
Hotaka-jinja Shrine Okumiya

4.0

56 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Unsupported.

This shrine is located in Azumi, Matsumoto City, in front of Myojin Pond. It is dedicated to Hotakami no Mikoto, the local Shinto deity who protects the Japanese Alps. Every year on October 8th, a ceremony called the “Nihon Alps Sangaku Sonansha Ireisai” is held to soothe the spirits of those who perished in the Japanese Alps. In addition, the deity is also enshrined on the peak of Mt. Hotaka in Hotaka-jinja Shrine Minemiya.

「神降地」とも称される「上高地」にある「穂高神社奥宮」です。雰囲気はあります。御祭神は「穂高見命」で、日本アルプスの総鎮守、海陸交通守護の神様らしいです。境内にある「明神池」とともに訪れてみてはいかがですか。なお、拝観料は大人1名500円です。
Sanada House

4.0

78 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Naganoshi Matsushiromachi Matsushiro 1

This was built for the mother-in-law of ninth generation Matsushiro domain lord Yukinori Sanada towards the end of the Edo period. From the Meiji period it became a private residence of the Sanda family, and in 1966 it was transferred along with heirlooms to the care of Nagano City. It is a court construction with a main building, front gate, seven storehouses and garden, and one can enjoy the charms of the four seasons from within. Paper cutting and koto performances are held in the third storehouse.

This will give you an idea of how the gentry lived in Japan during the Edo period . It is well maintained, and the centerpiece of a number of historical sites, including some castle ruins. There are...
Karuizawa Picturebook Museum (Forest of Muse)

4.0

48 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nagano Pref. Kitasakugunkaruizawamachi Nagakura 182

"This museum is in Nagakura, Karuizawa Town. They display items related to picture books, including Peter Rabbit. The First Exhibition Hall showcases the research of honorary adviser Mr. Shinichi Yoshida, a researcher of British and American children's literature, and has a permanent display called ""Peter Rabbit's Secret Room."" Planned exhibits occupy the Second Exhibition Hall. They also have a picture book library with primarily Western works where you can browse 1,800 volumes. There is also a museum shop and a conference room where various events are held."

2020年10月9日から2021年1月11日まで軽井沢絵本の森美術館でやっている『グリム童話の裏話』を旅行ついでに行ってみました。こじんまりした展示ではありましたが、なかなか興味深い内容で、グリム童話に潜むもの、兄弟・家族観、キリスト教、過激な表現、社会・道徳・世相、ジェンダー等に分けて展示してありました。ちなみに10時〜16時（10/9-12は9時半から17時らしいが時期により時間が違う可能性あ...
Ueda Castle Park

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Uedashi Ninomaru 6263 - a

Ueda Castle was built by Sanada Yukimura’s father, Sanada Masayuki. By repelling the Tokugawa Army twice before, the castle became known as the impregnable castle. Today it is maintained as the Ueda Castle Park and it is famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot during the spring every year at the Ueda Castle Thousand Cherry Blossom Festival.
Mayumi Takahashi Museum of Doll Art

4.5

52 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nagano Pref. Iyamashi Iyama 2941-1

This art museum which opened in 2010 displays 100 works of Iiyama City resident doll maker Mayumi Takahashi. It is a popular spot where visitors can enjoy recalling their hometowns, the expressions of the grandma and grandpa dolls—looking like they are about to chatter—bringing back nostalgic memories. On weekends and holidays there is often a queue to get inside. The dolls on display are changed around twice a year. The nearest station is Kita-Iiyama Station.

とても人気があります。平田ますみ先生の和紙創作品が際立ってます。期間限定ですので是非お立ち寄り下さい。価値観のある作品です。
Lake Nojiri Naumann Elephant Museum

3.5

45 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nagano Pref. Kamiminochigunshinanomachi Nojiri 287-5

A museum located in Shinano Town, Kamiminochi County, Nagano Prefecture. The museum exhibits materials relating to the natural environment in the Lake Nojiri area from pre-history up to today, with a focus on items discovered through the excavations of the lake which have been ongoing since 1962. The highlights of the museum are its life-sized replicas of a fossilized Naumann’s elephant and a giant Japanese elk skeleton. The museum also has an abundant collection of bone and stone tools, and even an exhibit where visitors can touch real fossils. The museum holds mini workshops and special events as well, such as a short class on stone tool-making.

I didnt spend enough time in Nojiri Lake else I would do the elephant walk. I didnt know what to expect from this museum. As I entered the glass door, there was this elderly woman sitting behind...
Zensanji Temple

4.0

51 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Uedashi Maeyama 300

Zensanji Temple is said to have been initially opened in 812 as a sacred place where the monk Kukai is said to have honed his Homa ritual. The three-story “incomplete complete tower,” whose exact date of construction is not clear but is said to have been the beginning of the Muromachi period, is quite famous. You must try the temple’s famous homemade walnut bean cakes available in the temple kitchen reception room every year from the vernal equinox until around the end of November. It’s about a 30-minute drive from the Ueda Sugadaira Interchange on the Joshin-Etsu Expressway.

結構きつい階段を上がります。でも頑張った甲斐のある建物が目の前に現れてホッとします。花の無い時期でしたが建物自体が美しいので十分楽しめました。

Nagano

Around Nagano City Kita-Shinano Eastern Shinshu Hakuba / Azumino Kisoji Around Suwa Southern Shinshu

Travel / Tourism History / Culture / Tour

Reference/Local/Exhibition/Literature Museum Shrine Castle / Ruins of Castle Historical Monument Temple Church Ruin / Grave / Ancient Tomb Memorial Hall Cultural Property Event Hall / Public Hall Art Museum Museum / Science Museum Other Historic Site/Building

Nagano Areas

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.