History / Culture / Tour Spots in Nagano Area

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Category

Travel / Tourism

History / Culture / Tour

Saiko-ji Temple

3.5

30 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Nagano-shi Kitaishidocho 1398

This Buddhist temple is famous for its etoki picture explanations, an art form which used pictures to preach to and guide worshippers. The temple's origins date back to 1199 when Karukaya built a thatched hut here. The temple's principal object of worship, a father and son Kshitigarbha statues carved by Karukaya and his son, have been designated Important Cultural Properties by Nagano City.

From JR Nagano station, it is about a good 5-mins walk to this temple, located in one of the main streets of the city. It is a buddhist temple and much smaller than Zenkoji, which is about 15mins...
Iida City Museum

4.0

29 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nagano Pref. Idashi Outemachi 2-655-7

This art museum located in the Iida Castle ruins collects and exhibits many pieces by Hishida Shunso, a painter who was born in Iida City. The museum holds periodic lectures on the arts, nature and folklore of the city and also permanent and special exhibits. The museum also has a planetarium where they offer programs with contents that change every season.

美術館としては飯田出身の画家菱田春草の作品、博物館としては伊那谷の文化を示す展示物やなぜか恐竜模型がフィーチャーされています。飯田長姫高校の跡地利用ということでそこそこ広大、敷地内に「柳田邦男館」「日夏耿之介記念館」などの付帯施設が充実しています。
Oshika Median Tectonic Line Museum

4.5

16 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nagano Shimoina-gun Oshikamura Okawara 988

This museum has exhibits on the Median Tectonic Line. It's the largest fault line in Japan running along the western half of the Japanese archipelago from Kanto to Kyushu. It's almost directly below Mt. Akaishi and the main peaks of the southern Alps near Shizuoka's prefectural border. Though it runs overland for 1,000 kilometers, this is one of the rare portions where you can observe a fault outcrop and other unique geological features. The curator will take the time to explain in detail everything from the creation of the Japanese islands to the geology of earthquakes.

地学・地理学の，地形・地質・岩石などに興味がある人のための博物館。かなり力の入った展示だが，大量の展示品と，大量の解説に，辟易する。パンフレットも，ぎゅうぎゅうに，つめて書いてある。ガイドによる解説がない場合，基礎知識がないと，あるいは知的好奇心がないと，居続けるのは，きつい。実際，ほぼ同時に入館した２組は，さっさと出て行った。予約しておけば，解説に人気のある，前館長が説明してくれる...
Jinchokan Moriya Historical Museum

4.5

25 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Chinoshi Miyagawa 389-1

This local museum is in Chino City, Nagano Prefecture. It displays documents and historical records concerning the Moriya clan, high ranking Shinto priests at Suwa Taisha Kamisha Shrine starting in the Middle Ages. Its ancient documents provide a record of Nagano long ago and a valuable picture of the period. It has both planned exhibits and a permanent exhibit with ancient documents that have been designated as Prefectural Treasures and Chino City Cultural Property.

「建築家、藤森照信さん」と「諏訪エリアの土着文化からの歴史」の２つの興味目的のための「神長官守矢資料館」です。一つ目の「建築家、藤森照信さん」は、この「神長官守矢資料館」を設計した建物のユニークさ、建築技術目的ですね。近くには「空飛ぶ泥舟」という建築家、藤森照信さんワールドを象徴した建築物もあります。一方、「諏訪エリアの土着文化からの歴史」は、ミシャグジ信仰（民間信仰）、守矢族、諏訪大社（御頭...
Ueda City Museum of Art

4.0

9 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nagano Pref. Uedashi Tenjin 3-15-15

An art museum located in Tenjin, Ueda City. The museum's collection consists primarily of works by artists deeply connected to Ueda City such as Western-style painter Kanae Yamamoto, sculptor Tsuruzo Ishii, and photographer Harry K. Shigeta. In addition to displaying this collection, the museum also holds special exhibitions. In addition, the museum has a studio and gallery available for use by residents as well as a children's studio.

複合的な文化施設サントミューゼの一角にある美術館。歴史が浅いらしく、館内はとても綺麗。あと美術館らしく、個性的な作り。日曜日に行ったが、入館者はとても少なかった。モネ、ムンク、ピカソらの作品を紹介する展覧会を開催していたのに！地方の美術館らしく、すいている。でも、他人に気兼ねすることなく、名画を鑑賞する。もったいないけど、入館者には都合が良い。
Matsumoto Scale Museum

4.0

28 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Matsumotoshi Chuou 3-4-21

This is a museum in the warehouse-lined Nakamachi Street, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, in the building occupied by weights and measures specialist Takeuchi Doryoko from 1902 to 1986. They have collected and exhibit over 1,000 items related to devices that weigh, measure and calculate from both Japan and abroad. The quiet courtyard is one of the standout charms. The nearest station is Matsumoto Station.

Because I was in the area, and because the entry fee was low, I stopped in, and was the only person in this small museum. Still thought it was pretty interesting! I recommend that anyone in the...
Karuizawa New Art Museum

3.5

28 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nagano Pref. Kitasakugunkaruizawamachi Karuizawa 1151-5

Artworks from the postwar period of Japan to the present day are exhibited here. The art museum was created with the intention to publicize outstanding artworks both domestically and internationally. Exhibitions display works not only from Japanese contemporary artists but from overseas artists too. The museum has invented itself to appeal to the expectations of art fans from all over the world. The museum houses a restaurant, café and shop where you can get some KaNAM original goods which can only be purchased here.

After missionary Alexander Croft Shaw’s building a chapel in Karuizawa, this town has been a sought-after fairyland for wedding. My wife and I visited the Museum on a sunny morning. Turns out there...
Shinano Kokubunji Temple

4.0

24 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Ueda-shi Kokubu 1049

"A Buddhist temple located a five-minute walk from Shinano Railway Shinano-Kokubunji Station. The temple was originally founded in the Nara period and burned down during the strife of the Johei era, later being rebuilt at its current location in the Muromachi period. The grounds encompass a variety of buildings, including a main temple building enshrining a statue of Bhaisajyaguru. The temple's three tier pagoda, a designated National Important Cultural Property, is the oldest of the temple's pagodas. Also known as the Yokado, meaning ""eighth day temple,"" the temple's annual festival held on January 7 and 8 attracts large numbers of visitors. The temple's tower-shaped Somin Shorai talismans, said to grant familial peace, health, and prosperity, are a popular souvenir. The temple is additionally known as the ""Lotus Temple"" and the ""Lotus Field,"" and it holds a lotus festival in July."

奈良時代の創建当時はここよりも南の方に有り、現在は史跡公園として整備されています。こちらのお寺は、真田と徳川との第二次合戦時に会見が行われたと小説や大河ドラマで良く描かれています。ただ真偽は不明で、江戸中期の軍記に初めて出てくるそうですね。三重の塔は重要文化財です。
Harmo Museum

4.0

22 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nagano Suwa-gun Shimosuwamachi 10616-540

15-minutes from the Chuo Expressway. This art museum, standing amidst the lush natural beauty on the bank of Lake Suwa, was opened on April 26, 1990 by industrial robot manufacturer Harmo's founder Tomio Hama and director Takako Seki. The museum's standing exhibition consists of works of Naive art which express a free sensitivity from a pure perspective, including nine rare pieces by Henri Rousseau. The museum has gained worldwide recognition for its distinctive concept. The museum also has a cafe where you can take a relaxing break and, on clear days, see all the way to Mt. Fuji.

ＨＰに年中無休とあり、念のため電話確認したうえで訪問しました。２Ｆ展示室は３つに分かれています。（一つは靴を脱いで入ります）アンリ・ルソーが目的でしたが他の作者さんたちの作品との出会いを楽しむことも出来ました。実は、１Ｆにも展示室があります。正面玄関入ってすぐにダリ、左奥の部屋で期間限定の展示、それとショップ＆喫茶コーナーから望む諏訪湖。正月期間でありながら対応いただいているスタッフの方々に感謝で...
Japan Ski Museum

4.0

23 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nagano Shimotakai-gun Nozawaonsenmura Toyosato 8270

The museum entry cost less thn $3 Aussie. If your a ski nerd and interested in competitive snow sports it is definitely worth a visit. The downside is that there are no English translations for the...
Matsumoto City Museum of Art

Leisure / Hobbies

Nagano Pref. Matsumotoshi Chuou 4-2-22

This is a private art museum in the center of Matsumoto City. The museum houses a collection of pieces by artists connected to Matsumoto City such as world-famous avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama, calligrapher Shinzan Kamijo, and lifelong Shinshu (Nagano) natural vista painter Kazuo Tamura. Special exhibitions and exhibitions of works submitted by the general public are held at the museum several times each year. A 12-minute walk from JR Matsumoto Station.
Sunritz Hattori Museum of Arts

4.0

21 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nagano Suwa-shi Kogan Dori 2-1-1

This museum's diverse collection of over 600 pieces primarily focuses on ancient eastern art, particularly tea implements; as well as early modern Western paintings. The Fujisan tea bowl, a National Treasure which records state master potter Hon'ami Koetsu gave to his daughter when she was going to be married, is put on display several times a year. In addition to its exhibitions, the museum has a shop and tearoom, and visitors can take a relaxing break and enjoy the local scenery after viewing the museum's artworks.

茶器の名品が揃う特別な美術館。服部セイコーの創業地である諏訪ならではの素晴らしい歴史を知ることのできる美術館だ。吸い込まれそうな冬季の世界、ぜひ観ていただきたい。
Jyokoji

4.0

21 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Kamitakaigunobusemachi Karida 676

"A Buddhist temple located in Karida, Obuse Town, Kamitakai County. The temple's Yakushi-do hall was built in 1408; a renowned example of early Muromachi period architecture, the hall has been designated a National Important Cultural Property. The temple is also known as the ""Tsumagoi Yakushi"" (""Wife's Love Healing Buddha"") and many worshipers visit the temple to pray for luck in finding a suitable match. Mameya is a restaurant on the temple's grounds serves tofu cuisine, while Daikoku Oyaki-dokoro is a teahouse and shop."

It is a bit of a walk from the center of Obuse through some interesting wineries. It’s very rugged and the path up the mountain is made with old stones, not concrete. Interestingly there is a slack...
Former Matsumoto High School (Agata no Mori Cultural Center of Matsumoto City)

3.5

24 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Matsumotoshi Agata 3-1-1

This educational facility is located inside Agata Forest Park. You can see the restored principal's room and classrooms in the wooden Western-style building-former Matsumoto Highschool-that is an Important Cultural Property. In addition, there is an adjoining auditorium, and it is used by many as a venue for the educational and cultural activities of local residents such as concerts and exhibit presentations.

重要文化財にも指定されている旧制松本高校本館に図書館や文化会館が置かれている。ただし、現在改装中のようで中には入れなかった。
Japanese Light Museum

3.5

24 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nagano Pref. Kamitakaigunobusemachi Obuse 973

This museum, focusing on Japanese lights and lighting, is located in the center of Obuse Town. Centering around the Kitashinano and Surrounding Area Lamp—Masami Kanebako Lamp Collection, a nationally designated Important Cultural Property, the museum displays a variety of works and crafts connected with lamps, lights, and lighting. The museum also offers a candle-making workshop (advance reservation required).

小布施駅から周辺を散策して寄りました。様々な灯火具があり昔の生活を思いできそうだ浮かべる事ができ現在の明るい生活のありがたさを再認識できました◯
Togakushi Shrine Okusha (Main Shrine)

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Naganoshi Togakushi Okusha

Togakushi Shrine is the general name given to five shrines scattered around the foot of the sacred Mt. Togakushi in Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture: Okusha, Chusha, Hokosha, Kuzuryusha, and Hinomikosha. The Okusha is in a spot located around a two-kilometer walk along a 2.5-kilometer roadway from Chusha. The enshrined deity is Amanotajikarao-no-Mikoto. Passing under the Zuishinmon gate along the shrine road, one will come upon a line of Japanese cedar trees 400 years old which makes for a mystical backdrop as you proceed down the road. It is the main shrine of Togakushi Shrine, and a spot where a great many people come to pray for better fortune, fulfillment of their heart’s desires, good harvests and sports victories.
Prince & Skyline Museum

4.5

17 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nagano Pref. Okayashi Uchiyama 4769-14 In Toriihee Yamabiko Park

This Nissan Skyline museum is in Toriidaira Yamabiko Park in Okaya City, Nagano Prefecture. It has exhibits on the automobile maker's Skyline model, including various parts. Events like talk shows are held several times a year, and lots of car fans visit since the museum's considered sacred ground for the Skyline. It is open from mid-April to mid-November and closes for the winter.

This little museum is packed with a remarkable collection of pertinent historical vehicles. From the Winning Calsonic Skyline GTR to early Prince vehicles, even a factory cutaway of the R32 skyline...
Azumino Jansem Museum

3.5

23 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nagano Pref. Aduminoshi Hotakariake 4018-6

This art museum is located along Prefectural Route 308 in Hotakaariake, Azumino City. It opened in 1993 as the first museum in the world to focus on the works of Armenian painter Jean Jansem, who did his work in France. The exhibitions feature Jansem’s oil paintings, watercolors, sketches, and woodblock prints, though sometimes works by other domestic and international artists are exhibited as well. The adjoining cafe offers a place to relax, and you can also enjoy a stroll through the verdant garden.

バレリーナの絵で有名なジャンセンの作品を展示しています。バレリーナといっても華やかなイメージよりもさびしさ、生きる悲しみを後ろ姿に感じさせます。
Jozan Yamadera's Historic Residence

4.0

19 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Nagano-shi Matsushiromachi Matsushiro 1493-1

"A residence which belonged to Yamadera Jozan, considered one of the ""Three Great Men of Matsushiro Domain."" The residence' front gate, believed to have been built between the end of the Edo period and the early Meiji period; and its study; believed to have been built between the end of the Taisho period and the early Showa period, have been restored to their former beauty, and visitors can freely tour the residence and make use of its facilities."

・無料...
Ichijozan Daiho-ji Temple

4.5

17 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Chisagatagunaokimura Tougou 2052

"Located around 25 minutes' drive from the Ueda-Sugadaira Interchange on the Joshin-Etsu Expressway, Ichijozan Daiho-ji Temple is a Buddhist temple belonging to the Tendai sect that was built in the Nara period (710-794), and which is one of the oldest temples in the Shinshu region. The temple's three-story pagoda, which was constructed in 1333, came to be known as the ""Looking Back Pagoda,"" because it is so beautiful that people leaving the temple after a visit can't help turning around to have a last look at the pagoda. There are many designated Important Cultural Properties in the temple, including the Zushi (miniature shrine), which is decorated with what are believed to be Japan's oldest Shachihoko (mythical animals with the head of a tiger and body of a carp, used as ornamentation on roofs). The temple's appearance changes with the seasons, with visitors being able to see plum blossom and cherry blossom in spring, azaleas in early summer, and autumn foliage in autumn. In summer, it is sometimes also possible to see Great Purple Emperor, which is the national butterfly of Japan. "

奈良時代の創建の古刹、檜皮葺の三重塔は国宝です。紅葉や桜の季節の写真がよく使用されますが、緑の中のシルエットも良いです。重日本最古とされる重文の鯱は晴れていないと見えないようですが無事見られました。同じく重文の須弥壇や厨子の他、羅漢像等見どころも多いです。

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.