Where to Go in Nagano City


2017.11.16

NAVITIME TRAVEL EDITOR

Where to Go in Nagano City

Nagano City is the capital city of the Nagano prefecture in the Chubu region of Japan. It originally evolved around the temple of Zenko-ji – one of Japan’s most popular temples. In 1998 it hosted the Winter Olympics, and former Olympic facilities and memorabilia can still be enjoyed throughout the town. Today Nagano is a popular tourist spot and is full of fun things to do – here’s our pick of some great places to go in Nagano.

  • 01

    M-Wave Olympic Stadium

    M-Wave Olympic Stadium

    M-Wave Olympic Stadium

    This impressively built stadium was the pride and joy of Nagano as it hosted the speed skating events of the 1998 Winter Olympics, whilst also playing host the the grand opening and closing ceremonies. In 2007 it was again thrust into the spotlight as the venue of that year’s Special Olympic Games opening and closing ceremonies, welcoming and farewelling athletes from across the globe. The M-wave is as versatile as it is beautiful, as it transforms form a multifunctional entertainment and sport venue in summer, to a world leading skating arena in the winter.

  • 02

    Matsushiro Castle Ruins

    Matsushiro Castle Ruins

    Matsushiro Castle Ruins

    Built during the Sengoku period (1467 – 1590) during a time of massive conflict all across Japan, Matsushiro Castle was constructed under the orders of Shingen Takeda in order to defend an oncoming attack from Kenshin Uesugi. The castle was cleverly built in a way which took advantage of its natural surrounds, creating a robust fortress. It flourished for many years but ultimately fell victim to the sands of time. Today the castle ruins are a fascinating place to visit and get a sense of old Nagano first hand. The castle ruins are also a very popular cherry blossom viewing site.

  • 03

    Matsushiro Zozan Underground Vault

    Matsushiro Zozan Underground Vault

    Matsushiro Zozan Underground Vault

    Known also as the Matsushiro Underground Imperial Headquarters. This underground labyrinth was constructed in secrecy during the final nine months of World War II (from November 11th, 1944 to August 15th, 1945). The underground tunnel system extends over ten kilometers from Mt. Zozan to Mt. Maizuruyama, and was built to act as a point of integral tactical significance. It was to act as the final stronghold for which to command important battles conducted on Japanese soil.

  • 04

    Sanada Treasure Hall Matsushiro

    Sanada Treasure Hall Matsushiro

    Sanada Treasure Hall Matsushiro

    The Sanada Treasure Hall of Nagano is home to a vast array of documents and armor related to the Sanada clan who were the lords of the Matsushiro region. This prominent clan was famous for their theatrical and literary ability. The museum is home to more than 50,000 objects related to the Sanada clan, with some of which being listed as important cultural property of Japan.

  • 05

    Shinano Art Museum

    Shinano Art Museum

    Shinano Art Museum

    Known also as the Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum, this museum is home to a large variety of regularly changing exhibitions which range from paintings, sculptures and unique hand drawn works by artists either from, or inspired by, Nagano. The museum offers a unique journey through a wide range of styles spanning multiple eras.
    Since the Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum is temporary closed from October 1, 2017 (Sunday), we recommend to check the reopening schedule on their homepage before you go.

    Zenkoji Temple
    rating

    4.5

    1970 Reviews
    place
    Nagano Pref. Naganoshi Naganomotoyoshichou 491-b
    phone
    0262343591
    opening-hour
    Open 24 hours*Each temple is…
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    Nagano Olympic Memorial Arena
    place
    Nagano Nagano-shi Kitanagaike 195
    phone
    0262223300
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    Hotel Route-Inn Dai-Ni Nagano

    2071-1, Oki, Nakasenda, Inaba Nagano

    Agoda
    • Hotel Route-Inn Dai-Ni Nagano
    • Hotel Route-Inn Dai-Ni Nagano
    • Hotel Route-Inn Dai-Ni Nagano
    • Hotel Route-Inn Dai-Ni Nagano
    • Hotel Route-Inn Dai-Ni Nagano
    Matsushiro Castle Ruins
    rating

    4.0

    182 Reviews
    place
    Nagano Pref. Naganoshi Matsushiromachi Matsushiro 44
    phone
    0262782801
    opening-hour
    [Apr.- Oct.]9:00-17:00(Last …
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    Matsushiro Zozan Chikago
    rating

    4.0

    97 Reviews
    place
    Nagano Pref. Naganoshi Matsushiromachi Nishijou 479-11
    phone
    0262248316
    opening-hour
    9:00-16:00 (last entry at 15…
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  • Sanada Treasure Museum
    rating

    4.0

    93 Reviews
    place
    Nagano Pref. Naganoshi Matsushiromachi Matsushiro 4-1
    phone
    0262782801
    opening-hour
    [Apr.- Oct.]9:00-17:00(Last …
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    Nagano Prefectural Art Museum
    place
    Nagano Nagano-shi Hakoshimizu 1-4-4
    phone
    05055428600
    opening-hour
    9:00-17:00 (Entry to exhibit…
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