Spots in Nagano Area

Area

Nagano
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Category

Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway

4.0

251 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Chinoshi Kitayama 4035-2541

This large ropeway, able to carry 100 people, is located at the northern tip of the Yatsugatake mountain range and connects Mt. Kita Yokodake and Mt. Shimagare. It takes about seven minutes to reach Yokodake-Tsuboniwa summit station with an altitude of 2237 meters from the station at the base of the mountain with an altitude of 1771 meters. The magnificent view of the mountains seen from the gondola window is spectacular, and is especially popular among mountaineers.

My daughter enjoyed this a lot! It was a great hike for us. It’s worth a trip! The rope way runs like every 20 minutes. We came early so less people and not so crowded. This is good for a family...
Matsushiro Castle Ruins

4.0

182 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Naganoshi Matsushiromachi Matsushiro 44

These castle ruins are located in Nagano City. The castle was constructed as the base for the Takeda side during the Battles of Kawanakajima between Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin. It is a natural fortress that uses the Chikuma River as a moat. In addition, Sanada became the ruler in the Edo period (1603-1868), and it developed into the castle town of Sanada Jumangoku. Destroyed in the Meiji period (1868-1912), only the stone walls of the buildings remained, but now the gate and earthworks are maintained.

There are two types of Japanese castles. One is called Yamajiro and these are constructed on a mountain and the other is built in a fields. This one is the latter. The place is surrounded by the...
Yohashira-jinja Shrine

4.0

324 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Matsumotoshi Ote 3-3-20

This shrine located in the Ote district of Nagano Prefecture’s Matsumoto City mainly enshrines four deities: Ame-no-Minakanushi-no-Kami, Takamimusubi-no-Kami, Kamimusubi-no-Kami, and Amaterasu Omikami. It attracts fervent believers as the deity who connects wishes and makes all requests come true and is also popular as a “power spot” (a location thought to be flowing with mystical energy). Among the locals it is affectionately called Shinto-san. The Shinto Festival is a procession that is held every year from October 1st–3rd, and is a representative festival of Matsumoto bustling with yatai food stalls, exhibitions of butai-hoei floats and an offering of fireworks.

Yohashira is a lovely and peaceful spot and an active shrine. The grounds are small-ish but there are plantings and a few buildings. You can sit or wander. Local residents will come to make offerings...
Hakuba Ski Jumping Stadium

4.0

255 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nagano Pref. Kitadumigunhakubamura Hokujou

A ski jump competition facility located in Hakuba Village, Kitaazumi County, Nagano Prefecture where the Japanese team took the gold during the Nagano Winter Olympics in 1998. Ski jumping can be performed here year-round, and the facility is considered one of the top three tourist attractions of the Shinshu region. A lift and elevator running between the normal and large hills can be used to reach the starting areas, and from here visitors can view the jump area from the same perspective as professional jumpers do.

Definitely a nice spot to see what the athletes endure during that thrilling sport. The height is IMPRESSIVE. Also from the top you can enjoy beautiful scenery. In the tower, theres many memoribilia...
National Treasure-designated Former Kaichi School

4.0

349 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Matsumoto-shi Kaichi 2-4-12

This elementary school opened in 1873 as the Dai-ni Daigaku-ku Dai-ichiban Shogaku Kaichi Gakko. The current structure was built in 1876, and approximately 70% of the construction expenses were funded by donations from the townspeople. It is a representative structure of Giyofu Kenchiku (imitation of Western-style architecture) and inside are displays of materials that give the visitor an impression of what it looked like back then.

The Former Kaichi School was founded in 1873, Construction was completed in 1876 and it served as a functional school for 90-years until 1963. Having been designated an important cultural asset in...
Chihiro Art Museum Azumino

4.5

182 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nagano Pref. Kitadumigunmatsukawamura Nishihara 3358-24

This art museum located inside of the Azumino Chihiro Park in the Matsukawa Village district of Kita-Azumi County, Nagano Prefecture collects and displays works by picture book artists from around the world including Chihiro Iwasaki. In addition to displays about Chihiro’s representative works, related items, and career, the museum also introduces the history of picture books and a collection of original pictures from picture books around the world. The museum is complete with facilities sure to delight children such as a reading room where they can read their choice from approximately 3,000 picture books as well as a play area for small children. There is also a picture book café where visitors can relax while gazing out at Japan’s Northern Alps (Hida Mountains).

The grounds here are lovely, in a perfect park setting, completely wonderful for children to play and explore with their families. Chihiro loved children, as evident in her art and exemplified in...
Suwa Takashima Castle

3.5

204 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Suwashi Takashima 1-20-1

"A park and castle site situated along Prefectural Route 50 in Takashima, Suwa City. Takashima Castle was built 400 years ago by Hineno Takayoshi, a vassal of the Toyotomi clan. An impregnable castle surrounded by Lake Suwa, the sight of the stronghold floating on the lake's water has resulted in it gaining the nickname, ""the Floating Castle of Suwa."" The castle tower was restored in 1970 and is used as a museum which presents materials on the history of Suwa Domain and Takashima Castle. The surrounding park is a renowned cherry blossom viewing destination in spring."

This castle is located in a walking distance from the station Kamisuwa. It is surrounded by a moat and has a park with a pond and flower garden. Unfortunately, the castle had been rebuilt relatively...
Hokusai-kan

4.0

225 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Kamitakaigunobusemachi Obuse 485

This museum was built to commemorate famed artist Katsushika Hokusai, who stayed in Obuse several times from the age of 83 and left several works behind there. The museum displays hanging scrolls and hand-painted pictures by Hokusai as well as videos which present the history of the artist. The main exhibition room contains two festival floats whose ceilings were painted with Hokusai's Surging Waves and Dragon and Chinese Phoenix. A 12-minute walk from Obuse Station.

I happily found out about the Hokusai-kan museum from my hotel proprietor and I was able to make a stop off in Obuse on my way back to Nagano. Hokusai-kan is situated in a great part of the town and...
Hiroshi Senju Museum Karuizawa

4.5

168 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nagano Pref. Kitasakugunkaruizawamachi Nagakura 815

Located in Karuizawa Town, Kitasaku County, Nagano Prefecture, this private art museum exhibits the works it owns created by artist Hiroshi Senju, a modern Japanese painter who is active around the world. The building was designed by architect Ryue Nishizawa and has large glass windows that give it a bright and spacious atmosphere. It also has a beautiful garden with various trees and plants, and is a creative space that achieves harmony with nature. The museum holds exhibitions that introduce Senju’s works as well as special exhibitions according to different themes. There are also a bakery café and shop, and guests can relax and enjoy art and nature.

A unique approach to defining a building, well worth the visit. Unfortunately the art, while well-executed, is not cohesive and sometimes derivative. I tried to imagine the experience of the building...
Katakurakan

4.0

216 Reviews

Accommodations / Hot Spring

Nagano Pref. Suwashi Kogandori 4-1-9

Katakurakan is a public bath in the Kamisuwa Onsen resort in Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture. The bath, building and connecting corridor have been designated as important national cultural assets. The Katakura family, who made a fortune from the silk industry, built the bath house in 1928 for the local residents. The bath house is characteristic for its gothic-style façade. The interior of the bath house as well as the bathrooms are also made in the Western style, and you can enjoy the big marble bath and Jacuzzi hot spring, nicknamed the ‘thousand-person bath’. There is an annex building where you can enjoy an after bath rest and meal.

This bath is inside a western-style building and it called Bath for Thousand, having big capacity. Japanese feels this atmosphere as Roman-style so it was used for a Japanese movie set featured...
Suwa Grand Shrine Shimosha Akimiya

4.0

143 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Suwagunshimosuwamachi 5828

A Shinto shrine located in Shimosuwa Town, Suwa County, Nagano Prefecture. The Akimiya is one of six shrines which comprise Suwa Grand Shrine, the head shrine of some 25 thousand Suwa shrines located across the country. Worshipped for providing abundant harvests and granting bravery since ancient times, in recent times the shrine has also come to be worshipped for protecting life and livelihood. The Kagura-den hall, with an eye-catching giant rope hanging in front, and the two-storied Heihai-den (worship and offering hall) are designated Important Cultural Properties. Other shrine highlights include the Neiri no Sugi, an 800-year old Japanese cedar tree. The shrine is famous for the Ombashira Festival held every seven years, as well as the Boat Festival (Ofune Matsuri) held on August 1.

諏訪大社下社秋に訪問しました。4つの宮のうちの一つです。春宮までは徒歩で移動することは可能です。上社までは市も違いますので車での移動が必要になります。春宮よりは大きいので人が多くいました。社の中は静かな雰囲気の中に格式があるように感じました。
Kamikochi Visitor Center

4.0

86 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Matsumotoshi Adumi Kamikouchi 4468

Located at the entrance to Konashidaira in Azumi-kamikochi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, the visitor center provides information on the animals and wilderness of Kamikochi. The facility teaches about local wildlife through videos, displays, and lectures; you can also find all the information needed to trek or walk through the area, such as which flowers are in season, local plants and animals, weather forecasts, and safety tips. The facility is only open from late April to November 15 when the Kamikochi area is open to visitors.

We had no idea this place was even here, but we were very excited to visit and gather information. The insdie is beautiful with great flora and fauna information of the area. The folks at the desk...
Kozenji Temple

4.5

156 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Komaganeshi Akaho 29

Kozenji Temple contains ten halls and is widely revered as the dwelling place of many deities of the South Shinshu region. It was established in 860 by Honjo Shonin and was mainly built to worship Acala, the God of Fire. The temple is undergoing renovations and maintenance until 2020, so some pathways have been changed. Make sure to confirm in advance. It’s about 10 minutes by car from the Komagane Interchange on the Chuo Expressway.

We came to see the weeping sakura but were impressed by this temple. Very tranquil temple with a well-laid out garden backed up to the natural mountain forest. The sakura are of many, many varieties...
Matsumoto Alps Park

4.5

135 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nagano Pref. Matsumotoshi Arigasaki 2455-11

A park located in Arigasaki, Matsumoto City. The park has a zoo and hosts the Matsumotoshi Yama to Natural Museum, which offers a sweeping view of the Hida Mountains (Northern Alps). There's also a 630 meter long coaster slide and variety of other playground equipment. From adults to children, the whole family can enjoy an entire day here.

If you cant catch bus, taxi will cost ard 1700yen from Matsumoto station. Just take note that the only bus leave this park at 10:25am and 2:25pm. Or else you need to walk down. It is abt 4km to...
Takato Castle Ruins (Takato Castle Ruins Park)

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Inashi Takatomachihigashitakato

These castle ruins are located in Higashitakato, Takato-machi, Ina City. Built on a hill surrounded by flatland, the castle was the seat of power of the Takato Clan. It would later end up in the hands of a string of success owners including Takeda, Hoshina, Torii, and Naito clans before being abandoned in 1872. It is best known for being the site of the Battle of Takato Castle between Takeda and Oda forces in 1582. Today, the castle's moat, earthen main gate, and other archeological remnants still remain. The entire area has been developed into the Takato Castle Ruins Park. Famous for its cherry blossoms, the approximately 1,500 Takato kohigan cherries which bloom in the park in the spring have been designated as a Prefectural Natural Monument.
Evergreen Outdoor Center

4.5

224 Reviews

Life / Living / Hospital

Nagano Pref. Kitadumigunhakubamura Hokujou 4377

This outdoor tour company is in Hokujo, Hakuba Village. In winter you can take back country and snowshoeing tours, and they have an English language ski school. In the green season you can enjoy the mountains, lakes, and rivers around Hakuba with activities like canoeing and hiking. They also host international school programs, summer camps, team building workshops, and more.

Even though it is not our usual practice to write reviews, our extremely unpleasant encounter compelled me to write the most extensive review I have ever written. We had a bad experience on the...
Tsumago-juku

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Kisogunnagisomachi Aduma 2159-2

One of the Nakasendo (old route from Tokyo to Kyoto) post towns which still retains the appearance of a post town from the Edo period. Tsumago-juku is known as the first post town in Japan to preserve its old town atmosphere and it has been designated as an important architectural preservation site and a regional conservation area. The town is full of places to see such as Koi-iwa (Carp rock), one of the three famous rocks, the Waki-Honjin Okuya (a National Important Cultural Property), Nagiso Museum of History with displays on the history of Nagiso Town and the Kisoji Road, and the preservation of Tsumago-juku.
Ogizawa Station

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Omachishi Taira 2117

A station on the Kanden Tunnel Trolleybus line run by Kansai Electric Power Company, it serves as the entrance to the Nagano Prefecture-side of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. Inside the three-story station building, there is a ticket office on the first floor, a restaurant on the second, and the platform and observation deck on the third. In 2019, it will cease being a station with the pending elimination of the trolleybus.
Suwa Taisha (Suwa Grand Shrine) Shimosha Harumiya

4.0

107 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Suwagunshimosuwamachi 193

Suwa Taisha, one of the highest-ranked Ichinomiya shrines of the old Shinano Province, is said to be one of the oldest shrines in Japan and is the main shrine of the various Suwa shrines throughout the country. The granite torii gates at the entrance are said to have been built in 1659, evidence of its long history. The lower shrine holds various ceremonies, including “Senzasai” ceremonies which are said to have an influence on the Years of the Tiger and Monkey as well as biannual “Harumiya” and “Akimiya” ceremonies. It’s about 15 minutes from the Okaya Interchange on the Nagano Expressway.

諏訪大社下社春宮に訪問しました。4つの宮のうちの一つです。秋宮までは徒歩で移動することは可能です。上社までは市も違いますので車での移動が必要になります。社の中は静かな雰囲気の中に格式があるように感じました。
Suwa City Kohan Park (Lakeside Park)

4.0

178 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nagano Pref. Suwashi Kogandori

Suwa City Kohan Park was built in 1953 when the Lake Suwa was dredged to form the shoreline. It features a footbath, a lake geyser center, a pleasure boat boarding point, an outdoor stage, and more for year-round enjoyment. A fireworks display is held over Lake Suwa every year on August 15, and the first Saturday in September is a national competition for showing off new fireworks. It’s about a 15-minute drive from the Suwa Interchange.

If you filled up at a tasty restaurant in Suwa, the park is a nice place to take a walk and enjoy the view. Best for a stroll, and theres a little onsen stream where you can dip your feet.

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.