Travel / Tourism Spots in Kita-Shinano Area

  • Koganeya Local Product Shop
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagano Pref. Shimotakaigunnozawaonsenmura Toyosato 9304
    This grocer is near a natural spring in Ogama, Toyosato, Nozawaonsen Village. They sell locally produced mountain vegetables, as well as homemade Nozawana (a kind of leaf vegetable). In addition, they sell “minagoroshi” kimchi in summer and “hangoroshi” kimchi in winter, both of which are popular products.
  • Fukushima Tanada no Sato
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagano Pref. Iyamashi Mizuho District Fukushima
    This terraced paddy field was developed in the Edo period from natural stone, and has been selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Terraced Paddy Fields. The cultivation of people’s knowledge reflected in the steadily constructed fields is a beautiful sight to behold.
  • Yuzawa-jinja Shrine
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagano Pref. Shimotakaigunnozawaonsenmura Toyosato
    This shrine is near Ogama in Nozawaonsen and holds a festival every year on September 8 and 9 called the “Nozawaonsen Garden Lantern Festival.” It includes a parade, a lion dance, a Sarutahiko dance, a “Thirty-six Immortals of Poetry” dance, a fireworks display, and many other attractions. Slabs with haikus by Basho Matsuo, a large zelkova tree over 1,000 years old, and about 100 stone steps can be found on the shrine grounds as well.
  • Shiga Kogen General Hall 98
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagano Pref. Shimotakaigunyamanouchimachi Hirao 7148
    This general facility is located in Hasuike, Shiga Kogen. It opened in 1998, the year of the Nagano Olympics, and consists of the “Olympics/Paralympics Memorial Hall,” “Nagano Prefecture Shiga Kogen Nature Conservation Center,” “Shiga Kogen General Information Facility,” and “98 Hall.” There’s also the “Sunshine Trail,” a walking path that takes you along the shoreline of Biwa Pond, a lake in Shiga Highlands and the second-biggest.
  • Mt. Yokote
    Travel / Tourism
    Shoga Takahara Yokote Yamanouchi cho Shimotakai gun Nagano Prefecture
    Mt. Yokote is included as part of the Shiga Kogen mountain range in Joshin’etsukogen National Park. Riding the moving walkway along the mountain’s slope, called the “sky-lator,” along with the “skylift” will bring you to the peak at 2,307 meters high, which offers a stunning panoramic view. On very sunny days, you can see the Northern Alps (Hida Mountains) and Mt. Fuji. It is about 10 minutes from the Shibu Pass, the highest point on the National Highway, once you board the Shibu Pass Romance Lift. Enjoy looking down at the clouds as you stroll up above.
  • Morokoshi (Corn) Kaido Street
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagano Pref. Kamiminochigunshinanomachi Kashiwabara Jin's warehouse
    During the corn harvesting season from late July through early August, corn is sold along the “Morokoshi (Corn) Kaido Street” at a local produce direct sales store. Due to the extreme temperature difference between the afternoon and evening in Shinanomachi, it is said that the corn’s sugar levels increase. The freshly picked corn is sweet and juicy, and you can grill and eat it on the spot, making it a popular destination.
  • Kanman Falls Observation Deck
    Travel / Tourism
    Shiga Kogen in Shimokitai-gun Nagano-machi, Nagano Prefecture
    This observation platform is along National Route 292 in Hirao, Yamanouchi Town. It offers an amazing view of the great Kanman Falls between the ravine, with a height of 107 meters and a width of 20 meters. Visiting during the fall foliage or new bloom seasons is recommended.
  • Shibu Takayakushi
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagano Prefecture Shimotakai gun Yamanouchi cho Shigubashi Onsen
    You’ll find this temple in Shibu Onsen, Yamanouchi Town. This is the last stop for visitors traveling to all nine public baths in Shibu Onsen. Bathing in all the springs and ascending the 78 stone steps from the ninth spring, “Shiba Oyu,” is said to ward off danger, promote safe and healthy childbirth, and grant long life and youth, among other benefits.
  • Shoujuan
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagano Pref. Iyamashi Iyama 1871
    This Zen monastery is located in Oaza Iiyama Kamikura, Iiyama City. Dokyo Etan, the son of Yukimura Sanada’s older brother, Nobuyuki Sanada, became a monk when he was young and traveled to many temples in Tohoku and elsewhere. After training, he returned and founded this monastery. His disciple, Hakuin Ekaku, is said to have achieved nirvana here.
  • Fukiya Shoten
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    Travel / Tourism
    Nagano Pref. Shimotakaigunnozawaonsenmura Toyosato 9350
    This souvenir shop is located in Toyosato, Nozawaonsen Village and was built in 1904. The “Fukiya no onsen manju” buns are filled with homemade strained bean paste, and this popular product has been around for nearly 100 years. You’ll also find other food products Nozawa pickles and winter-exclusive “banana rolls,” not to mention folk crafts like “dove wheel” toys.

    スノボ土産に、温泉まんぢうです。 目新しさはないけれど、やっぱり昔懐かしい感じでホッとする美味しさです。

  • Masuichi Ichimura Sake Brewery
    Shopping
    Nagano Pref. Kamikitai-gun Obuse-machi 807
    This long-standing wine cellar opened in 1755 and is located in Obuse, Obuse Town along National Route 403. The adjoining building is used by workers during the preparation process for lodging and breaks, and direct sales are offered here as well. At the “Teppa” counter, you can enjoy famous brands such as Kozan and Square One.
  • Suzaka City Fureaikan Mayugura
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagano Pref. Suzakashi Suzaka 387-2
    Suzaka flourished as a center of silk production, and this historic three-story building is a precious part of that legacy. It was used to store cocoons from which raw silk was obtained, and was eventually transferred to its present location due to city planning. The first floor and stair landing feature an exhibition space and rest area. It’s an eight-minute walk from Suzaka Station on the Nagano Line.
  • Onuma Pond
    Travel / Tourism
    Shiga Kogen in Shimokitai-gun Nagano-machi, Nagano Prefecture
    A lake formed by a natural dam created by lava which once flowed from Mt. Shiga. 5.5 kilometers in circumference, it is the largest lake in the Shiga Highlands. As it is strongly acidic, it is not inhabited by fish, but its waters are an exceedingly clear and beautiful cobalt blue.
  • Akiyamago
    Travel / Tourism
    Eleomura Akiyama village in Nagano pref.
    “Akiyamago,” spreading from Sakaemura, Shimominochi-gun, Nagano Prefecture to Tsunan in Nakauonuma-gun, Niigata Prefecture, is one of the top one hundred secluded areas in Japan, and is a mountainous region seeped in rich nature. You can enjoy beautiful scenery every season such as cherry blossoms in spring and the area covered in snow in winter, but especially the scenery of changing colors of the autumn leaves is superb.
  • Endo Brewery
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagano Pref. Suzakashi Suzaka 29
    This is a Japanese rice wine brewery founded in 1864. The famous and treasured sake was said to have been presented to Lord Suzaka in the Edo period. The brewery has continued producing sake of unaltered taste, as well as continued to produce new products, winning numerous awards such as Mondo Selection, IWC, iTQi, etc. In the shop, visitors can taste about 30 kinds of sake.
  • Kasaboko Kaikan Dream Hall
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagano Pref. Suzakashi Suzaka 410-1
    This museum preserves and displays eleven Kasaboko (large festival decorations) designated as tangible folk cultural properties of Suzaka City and four festival floats. On the first floor of the museum visitors can see the gorgeous and powerful festival decorations and floats up close. The 2nd and 3rd floors are a place for lifelong learning of Suzaka citizens and various works and materials are exhibited.
  • Former Odagiri House
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagano Suzaka-shi Suzaka 423-1
  • Akiyamago
    Travel / Tourism
    Niigata ken Tsunan-cho Akiyama village, Nagano prefecture Nakano prefecture Sayakauchi-gun Eimura
    It is approximately 60-minutes by car from the Shiozawa-Ishiuchi Interchange or the Echigo-Kawaguchi Interchange. Akiyamago is the general name for a number of small villages settled by fleeing Heike soldiers around Nakatsugawa River, a tributary of the Shinano River. The valley area abundant with nature sits between Nagano and Niigata prefectures. There are many sights of note, author Suzuki Bokushi likened it to the garden of Eden it is so beautiful and said that the mountain villages would forever be etched in his memory. In early spring the wild growing dogtooth violets will drown the mountain villages in pink. View the autumn colors spreading throughout the valley from Maekurahashi Bridge, and the famous sightseeing location for the legendary giant serpent of Jabuchinotaki Waterfall in Oakasawa.
  • Madarao Highlands
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagano Pref. Iyamashi Madaraokougen
    A highland sprawling across Iiyama City, Nagano Prefecture and Myoko City, Niigata Prefecture. Situated 1,000 meters above sea level, the area sees heavy snowfalls and visitors can enjoy skiing here in winter. During warmer seasons, the area remains relatively cool and is a perfect destination for outdoor sports. The 50-kilometer-long Madarao Highland Trekking Trail spans the area and the starting point of the 80-kilometer-long Shinetsu Trail can also be found here.
  • Roadside Station FARMUS Kijimadaira
    Transportation
    Nagano Pref. Shimotakaigunkijimadairamura Kamikijima 38-1
    Roadside Station FarmusKizimadairais located along National Route 403 in Kamikijima, Kijimadaira Village, Shimotakai County. In addition to a shop that sells local products, especially the Kijimadaira brand of rice, this roadside station features a restaurant, a cafe, a market whole containing tent booths that sell craft items and souvenirs, a kitchen hall, and a multipurpose hall.

Nagano Areas

around-area-map

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.

Nagano Photo Album

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