Nagano Prefecture has many tourist attractions that represent Japan, such as Hakuba, Kamikochi, and Matsumoto. On this page, I will introduce you to the various fascinating worlds of Nagano.
Table of Contents
Outline of Nagano
Map of Nagano
Matsumoto
Bautiful reflection in water at night of Matsumoto Castle. It is a Japanese premier historic castles in easthern Honshu, Matsumoto-shi, Chubu region, Nagano Prefecture, Japan = shutterstock
Matsumoto is the largest city in Nagano prefecture after Nagano City. As you walk through Matsumoto City, you’ll find that the traditional streetscape remains. In addition, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the 3000-meter high mountains around Matsumoto.
The main attraction in this town is Matsumoto Castle. Himeji Castle (Hyogo Prefecture), which is the most popular in Japan, is pure white, while Matsumoto Castle is dignified jet black. The castle tower built around 1600 is a national treasure. Many tourists photograph this castle tower against the background of the surrounding snow mountains.
Kamikochi
Hotaka mountains and Kappa bridge in Kamikochi, Nagano, Japan = Shutterstock
Hakuba
In Hakuba you can enjoy skiing while watching the beautiful mountains representing Japan = shutterstock
Hakuba is popular for hiking trails in the summer = Shutterstock
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
Kurobe Dam on Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route = Shutterstock
On the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, you can get a close view of the mountainous areas at an altitude of 3,000 m = Shutterstock
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is a mountain sightseeing route that connects JR Shinano-Omachi Station in Nagano Prefecture to Tateyama Station in Toyama Prefecture, which is located next to the north. On the route, there is a magnificent Kurobe Dam and a mountainous area with an altitude of 3,000m. Tourists can enjoy the scenery comfortably by transferring to buses, ropeways and cable cars.
Togakushi
Togakushi in winter, Nagano Prefecture = Shutterstock
Togakushi is a beautiful mountain area located in the northern part of Nagano City. Here, Togakushi Shrine, a collective term for five shrines with very old history, spreads. From Tokyo to Togakushi, it takes about 3 hours by Shinkansen and bus. If you go to Togakushi, the wonderful mountains, shrines and soba gourmet will refresh you. This is a very snowy area, so I recommend going in the fall or summer.
Jigokudani Yaen-koen
Snow monkeys in a natural onsen (hot spring), located in Jigokudani Park, Yudanaka. Nagano Japan
Jigokudani Yaen-koen is very popular among foreign tourists. Here, you can observe wild monkeys bathing in the hot springs.
The nearest bus stop to Jigokudani Yaen-koen is “Snow Monkey Park”, which is about 40 minutes from JR Nagano Station (Nagano City) by express bus to Shiga Kogen. From this bus stop, you have to walk about 40 minutes one way on a snowy road. Please note that it is a very snowy place in the winter.
Karuizawa
Karuizawa is a representative summer resort in Japan. There are many old churches because Westerners have liked it since the end of the 19th century = Shutterstock
Kirigamine
In Kirugamine in the midwinter, a fantastic view called “Muhyo” may be seen = Adobestock
Mishakaike Pond
Tsumago
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