History / Culture / Tour Spots in Nagano Area

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Category

Travel / Tourism

History / Culture / Tour

Hori Tatsuo Memorial Museum of Literature

4.0

18 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Kitasakugunkaruizawamachi Oiwake 662

This memorial hall is located along the Japanische Romantische Strabe in Oiwake, Karuizawa and is dedicated to author Tatsuo Hori. Known for titles such as “The Wind Has Risen,” many of his novels are set in Karuizawa. By the time he died in 1944, he had spent about nine years in Oiwake. The many manuscripts and letters offer a window into his literary style and life.

森の中で静かに物思いにふける。軽井沢で過ごしたいイメージの一つですが、意外とそれを叶えてくれる場所はありません。そんな時はここへ。夏でも人が少なく、オススメです。
Issa Memorial Museum

4.0

17 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Kamiminochigunshinanomachi Kashiwabara 2437-2

A museum dedicated to the Japanese poet Kobayashi Issa located in Shinano Town, Kamiminochi County, Nagano Prefecture. After Issa's death, the storehouse he lived in was designated a National Historic Site, and this museum was built in commemoration. Inside, visitors can view personal affects and books which belonged to the writer. The museum also holds regular events which attract large numbers of people, such as the Issa Memorial National Haiku Tournament and Issa lecture courses.

Not sure if we just got lucky with timing or Issa isnt a big pilgrimage for others but this was a stop i looked forward to and enjoyed very much. The place was so calm because very few patrons (this...
Daihonzan Zenkoji Temple Daihongan

4.0

19 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano-shi Motomachi-cho in Nagano prefecture 500

"The main image of this Pure Land Buddhist temple in Nagano City is Japan's oldest ""Ikko Sanzon Amida Nyorai."" The main temple was constructed in 1707 and has been designated a national treasure. They accept requests for prayers for things including family safety, safe driving, prosperity, health and passing exams, and also conduct ancestor memorial services. Besides the regular fetus memorial service, the temple holds sutra transcription class in odd-numbered months and Buddhism courses for youth in even-numbered months."

善光寺の門前町にいくつかある寺院のうちの一つで尼寺。善光寺の住職を兼ねる由緒のある寺らしい。なかなか商売上手らしく、水子供養の看板が出ていた。
Nagano Prefectural Museum of History

4.0

9 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nagano Pref. Chikumashi Yashiro 260 - 6 Ueno no Sato Historical park

The Nagano Prefectural Museum of History mainly collects, repairs, and stores buried cultural properties and documents of historical value that contain research and such related to Nagano Prefecture’s history. The exhibits teach visitors about both old and modern ways of life, and there are many special exhibits as well that disseminate a lot of historical information. They also host lectures on archaeology and ancient documents. It’s about a 25-minute walk from Yashiro Station and Yashirokoko-mae Station on the Shinano Railway, or five minutes by car from the Koshoku Interchange on the Nagano Expressway.

千曲市にある長野県の歴史がよくわかる博物館です。常設展は大人１人３００円でしたが、お金以上に見ごたえがありました。古代から近代まで、ジオラマ展示が多く子供にもわかりやすいと思います。
Eshima Enclosed Residence

3.5

20 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Ina-shi Takatomachi Higashitakatoo 457 Ina Municipal Takatomachi History Museum

Takato is famous for being the area where Ejima, principal actor in the Ejima-Ikushia affair concerning the shogun's harem, was exiled to in the early Edo period. This residence, built on the north shore of Takato Lake, was built based on a rough sketch of the home Ejima was confined to after the incident. The simple residence' eight tatami mat-sized room where Ejima lived out the rest of her life is enclosed by fixed latticework bars. The residence was built like a prison; the only entrance and exit is a room for a guard, and spikes on the fence repelled any person considering sneaking in. Informational panels in the residence inform visitors of the harsh life the woman lived here.

高遠城の100名城スタンプが保管されている施設です。スタンプのみの捺印は無料で利用できます。駐車場もあり、入場料も高くなく、高遠城より歩いてアクセスできます。中には大奥で有名な絵島の囲い屋敷もあり、スタンプだけではなく立ち寄りもお勧めです。
Matsumoto City Court and Historical Village

4.0

18 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Matsumotoshi Shimadachi 2196-1

Focusing on the theme of the modernization of Shinshu (Nagano), the Matsumoto City Historic Village contains a collection of precious buildings from the early Edo period through the Showa period. The Former Matsumoto Branch Court of Nagano District Court, a Prefectural Treasure, is a courthouse built in 1908 and is designed in the modern Japanese architectural style representative of the Meiji period. Visitors can also see a variety of other structures in the museum, such as Former Silk Mill of Showa Manufacturing Company and the Birth Home of Naoe Kinoshita.

明治時代の地方裁判所や少年刑務所独房、製糸工場、ああ野麦峠関係の展示などが移設保存されています。松本城と方向違いのバスで30分くらいというアクセスの問題からか、ほとんど人がいませんでしたが、なかなか見どころが多く良かったです。
Togakushi Shrine Kuzuryusha

5.0

14 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Naganoshi Togakushi Okusha

Sitting to the left of the main shrine of Okusha, Kuzuryusha, of the Togakushi Shrine, is dedicated to the Kuzuryu (nine-headed dragon) ‘land-master’ deity. One theory states that the Kuzuryu was a demon with nine heads and a dragon’s tail. This demon then changed into the deity of water. It is also worshiped as the god of bad teeth. People with bad teeth offer a pear to the god, said to be the food liked by Kuzuryu, the people then no longer eat pears and pray for good health. By doing so, it was said that the decayed tooth will heal. Kuzuryu is also revered as a rainmaking and matchmaking god.

奥社とともに頂上にあります。中社から50分くらいトレッキングしました。鳥居をくぐってから長い長い参道を歩き参拝しますが、ゴールデンウィーク中の晴天の日だったからか、社殿に向かうのにとても長い行列があり、参拝するのに2時間以上かかりました。この列は、社殿に参拝する人と御朱印を頂く人が混ざってますが、人々が参拝する時間くらい毎に少しずつ進みました。頂上に着くと、左が御朱印、まっすぐが九頭龍社、右が...
Komagane Silk Museum

4.0

16 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nagano Pref. Komaganeshi Higashina 482

"This silkworm and silk museum is located in Komagane City, Nagano Prefecture. In the permanent exhibition on the first floor, they exhibit the history of silk and the process of weaving raw silk. In addition, there is an experiential workshop where you can come into contact with silk, and you can have various experiences such as ""cocoon crafts."" On the second floor, there is a museum shop, all-you-can-eat restaurant and other facilities, making it a place to enjoy yourself all day long."

孫娘たちと駒ヶ根に行った折に立ち寄った。久しぶりに繭を見た。孫娘たちは、はしゃぎながら創作に取り組んでいた。
Chuzenji Temple

4.0

15 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Uedashi Maeyama 1721

Chuzenji Temple was built nearly 800 years ago (toward the end of the Heian period), and it is said to be the oldest temple not only in Nagano Prefecture, but the entire Chubu and Kanto regions. It has been designated an Important Cultural Property (structure). It is surrounded by trees and has a calm atmosphere that lets you feel the history of the place.

信州最古の木造建築の薬師堂があります。正方形で四面とも三間の造り。茅葺屋根に宝珠がのっています。歴史を感じる一方で、その対称性と屋根の丸みから可愛らしく感じてしまいます。 12月に行きましたが、枯芝に似合うお堂ですね。周囲を１周できるのでいろんな角度から見られます。裏のお墓エリアからちょっと俯瞰気味に見ることも。薬師堂の反対側のわりと広めの枯山水や、本堂前のちょっとした石庭などもありおす...
Karuizawa Kogen Church

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Prefecture Kitasaku-gun Karuizawa Town Hoshino

This church full of history and located in Karuizawa Town, Kitasaku County Nagano Prefecture began in 1921 as a small wooden building, and was the origin of the Free Education of Art Salon movement that attracted cultured people such as Hakushu Kitahara and Toson Shimazaki. The building, which is enveloped in the nature of Karuizawa, is characteristic for its pointy triangular roof. As a church that is open to all people, it holds gospel worship every Sunday and events in accordance with the season. It is also popular as a place for resort weddings.
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Karuizawa

4.0

15 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nagano Pref. Kitasakugunkaruizawamachi Nagakura 2052-2

This art museum collects and exhibits works with a theme of ''artists who crossed the oceans.'' Its primary collection features works by artists including Yayoi Kusama, Yoshitomo Nara, Shusaku Arakawa, Atsuko Tanaka, and Ayako Rokkaku. The museum also features a gallery where visitors can purchase artwork. Admission includes a complementary cup of tea and a snack, allowing visitors to soak up impressions of the artwork at a relaxed pace. The museum closes over the winter from late November to mid-April. It is a five-minute drive from JR Karuizawa Station.

軽井沢の森の中にこれぞ軽井沢と言った感じの美術館である。シニア料金は８００円、昔は飲み物が出たらしいが、今はクッキー１ケがもらえる。海を渡ったアーティスト展を開催中であった。美術館の大きな窓からは、これぞ軽井沢と言った景色が見える。
Fukushima Sekisho Museum

4.0

15 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Kisogunkisomachi Fukushima Seki cho 5031-1

You’ll find this archive in Fukushima Sekimachi of Kiso Town. It has been situated on a key point along the Nakasendo, one of the five major highways radiating from Edo, for about 270 years, and it features a faithful restoration of the Fukushima checkpoint, one of the four major checkpoints. You’ll find exhibits with documents related to the checkpoint, as well as historical transport restrictions such as the “iriteppo” and “deonna” policies.

Very historic place .The important Sekisho which is the control gate of old Edo era road Nakasendo. Even the princes of the emperor had passed here to go to Tokyo in the 18th century. The people here...
Suwa city museum of ART

4.0

16 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nagano Pref. Suwashi Kogandori 4-1-14

The Suwa city museum of ART is in a space converted from what used to be a “Memorial Hall” for Katakura Industries, which was built in 1943. It is Nagano Prefecture’s first public art museum. The museum opened in 1956 and is registered as a Tangible Cultural Property. It has a collection of nearly 1,400 items mainly focused on modern art, including works by artists both local and celebrated nationwide. It’s about a seven-minute walk from the west exit of JR Kami-Suwa Station.

温泉施設の片倉館と併設されており、美術館、温泉、諏訪湖畔と楽しむことができます。近くには間欠泉などもあるのでこの付近を散策するにはお勧めの場所です。
Oborozukiyo no Yakata Hanzan Bunko

4.0

15 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nagano Pref. Shimotakaigunnozawaonsenmura Toyosato 9549-6

This memorial hall in Toyosato, Nozawaonsen Village is dedicated to Takano Tatsuyuki, renowned lyricist known for such songs as “Kokyo (Hometown),” “Haru ga Kita (Spring is Here),” and “Oborozuki Yo (Moonlit Night).” You can view such articles as his drafts, letters, paintings and writings, and more. Shiko Munakata, Masaaki Tanaka, Shiro Kasamatsu’s works are also stored here and showcased during special exhibitions. There’s also a cafe, museum shop, and carillon that plays Takano Tatsuyuki’s songs at regular intervals.

温泉の合間にいきました。観光にはぴったりです。野沢温泉はとても小さな集落ですのでどの旅館からも徒歩圏内です。
Nakamura Residence

4.0

15 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Shiojirishi Narai 311

The wood manufacturing industries such as comb manufacturing and lacquerware flourished in Narai-juku during the Edo period. The “Nakamura Residence”, which was the residence of Nakamura Rihei who ran a comb wholesalers in Narai-juku is a typical Narai-juku merchant’s style building with the feature of the second floor slightly jutting out (overhanging beam structure). It has been registered as a Tangible Cultural Property of Shiojiri City, and the residence is open to the public as a museum.

[奈良井宿]に《国重要文化財》指定の建築物が 2件ありその内の1件です[他の1件[手塚家住宅（上問屋史料館）]]。こちらで印象に残ったのは外観的；[奈良井宿]の建築物の特徴である《鎧庇》と《猿頭》の説明文（添付写真参照）が掲示してあり 2階から 1階を眺めると《鎧庇》と《猿頭》が良く見え [奈良井宿]の建築物の特徴が良く理解出来ることです。又小さな入口から腰をかがめて内部に入ると江戸時代...
Shiga Kogen Roman Museum

3.5

16 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nagano Shimotakai-gun Yamanouchimachi Hirao 1465

"An art museum built to commemorate the Nagano Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. It features bottles and vases made in the ancient Roman Empire from iridescent glass. You can spot the adjacent conical restaurant from far away, making it a good landmark. They serve meals and tea. The elliptical museum, which has a theme of ""Coexisting with Nature,"" was designed by world-renowned architect Kurokawa Kisho. Exhibitions include works by Kodama Katei , who was Yamanouchi-machi native and a Nanga painter, and Yoshimoto Yumiko, a contemporary glass artist."

Its definitely worth visit. Museum building is beautiful, exposition is exquisite. Really enjoyed. Kids could eat pizza and pasta in glass terrace cafe, which is close to museum, so I could fully...
Kitazawa Museum of Art

4.5

6 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nagano Pref. Suwashi Kogandori 1-13-28

This is a museum of contemporary Japanese paintings and glass works on the shore of Lake Suwa. The museum displays glass works by Emil Galle, the master of French decorative art, and René Lalique, a representative artist of both the Art Nouveau and Art Deco eras and others. The glass works exhibited are highly valued and regarded as one of the best glass collections in the world. There is also a coffee shop overlooking Lake Suwa.

北澤美術館二階にあるカフェです。何と言っても、店内の大きなガラス窓から奥に広がる琵琶湖を一望できるのが素晴らしい。この景色を眺めながら食事をするのはこの上ない贅沢気分。オーダーしたのはAセット（１１００円）。ビーフカレー辛口にセットの飲み物が付く。かりんジュースを選択。ビーフカレーは辛口のカレールー。コクとスパイスの絶妙なバランスがいい。具材には小片の牛肉が入っていて、一層カレールーの味を引き立て...
Togakushi Soba Museum Tonkururin

4.0

13 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nagano Pref. Naganoshi Togakushi 3018

This is an activity-based museum in Togakushi, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture, where one can learn about the famous Togakushi Soba through buckwheat pounding and the displayed articles. In the hour-long pounding experience a soba expert carefully teaches participants the process from kneading buckwheat flower to cutting the noodles into thin strips. It is possible to take home the noodles one has made or eat them there in the building. The museum uses models and real articles to introduce Togakushi soba history and culture in an easy-to-understand way. There is a free-to-use 50-meter-tall slide on the viewing platform, making it a popular place for children too.

トイレを探していた時に「そば打ち道場」という看板が目に入って、昼時だったので寄ってみました。生徒さんが打ったそばなのか麺の太さがバラバラで茹で上がった硬さもマチマチだったのが印象的でした。食事の支払いが売店の方でクレジットカードで支払いさせて貰えたのは好印象。
Shimosuwa-shuku Honjin Iwanami House

3.5

15 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Suwa-gun Shimosuwamachi

This historic structure was once a honjin inn for government officials located in the post station town of Shimosuwa-shuku, where two of the Five Routes, the Nakasendo Road and the Koshu Kaido, intersected. Reception is located past the front gate and beyond the extremely lengthy front entrance garden. The inn was used to accommodate many important persons, including Princess Kazu, Emperor Meiji, and various daimyo lords during the Sankin-kotai period in which lords were obligated to alternate living in the capital every other year. The current 28th head of the family privately maintains and manages the facility, preserving the primary parts of the structure as well as period furnishings and making these viewable to the public. Its permanent exhibition includes a short sword left behind by radical Sekihotai group member Sagara Sozo prior to his execution. The facility's landscape-style rock garden, purported to have been the best along the Nakasendo Road, is exceptionally beautiful on rainy days and is well-worth a look.

甲州街道の終点、下諏訪宿にある旧本陣。皇女和宮降嫁の際に、この本陣で使われた道具類。歴史の舞台そのままで、けっこう生々しく展示されていました。明治以降、岩波家は兄弟が遺産相続後に新しい事業に進出。失敗しながらも、本陣の建物が何とか残されたという経緯です。
Nyakuichioji Shrine

4.0

13 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Omachi-shi Omachi Tawaramachi 2097

This Shinto shrine is famous for its large scale children's traditional yabusame horseback archery event and is ranked alongside the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu in Kamakura and Kyoto's Kamo Shrine as one of Japan's three greatest Shinto horseback archery shrines. Records state the shrine was founded in 849. The Honden front shrine reflects late Muromachi period regional tastes and is a single bay shrine with a pillar at each of its four corners built in the sumigi-iri Kasuga-zukuri style. The shrine has been designated an Important Cultural Property.

It is a little bit far from downtown Omachi, and as I visited, there was no other tourist. This is a Shinto shrine, but due to Shinto-Buddhism merging in the Middle Ages, there is a pagoda next to...

Nagano

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

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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.