Nagano Prefecture

Nagano Prefecture is famous for its beautiful mountains, relaxing hot springs, fruit farms, historic temples, and winter sports.
Located in central Japan, it offers stunning natural scenery, traditional villages, and peaceful countryside experiences throughout the year.
Top 5 Things to Do
Jigokudani Monkey Park – See wild snow monkeys bathing in hot springs, especially during the snowy winter months.
Zenkoji Temple – Visit one of Japan’s most important Buddhist temples, located in the heart of Nagano City.
Karuizawa – Explore a stylish resort town known for shopping, forest walks, cafes, and beautiful nature.
Ueda Castle Park – Discover samurai history and enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms in spring.
Nozawa Onsen – Relax in traditional hot springs and wander through a charming village with historic public baths.

Local Foods to Try
Shinshu Soba – Enjoy locally grown buckwheat noodles, served hot or cold.
Nagano Apples – Taste crisp, sweet apples grown in the region’s orchards.
Blueberries – Enjoy fresh seasonal blueberries and visit local farms during the summer harvest.
Oyaki Dumplings – Try traditional dumplings filled with vegetables, mushrooms, or sweet red bean paste.
Nozawana Pickles – Sample a famous local pickled leafy vegetable often served with rice or soba.
Shinshu Miso Dishes – Taste regional dishes made with Nagano’s well-known fermented soybean paste.
Sanzoku-Yaki – Try a large piece of marinated, deep-fried chicken popular in parts of Nagano.

Best Shopping / Local Crafts
Kiso Lacquerware – Discover traditional wooden bowls, trays, and tableware finished with beautiful lacquer.
Local Sake – Browse Japanese sake made with Nagano’s mountain water and locally grown rice.
Handwoven textiles – Find traditional fabrics and textile products from the region.
Nagano Apple Products – Shop for apple juice, jams, sweets, and other fruit-based souvenirs.
Matsumoto Handicrafts – Browse local craft shops for wooden items, ceramics, and handmade goods.
Shinshu Miso – Bring home regional miso for cooking Japanese dishes.

Hidden Gems
Obasute Terraced Rice Fields – Admire traditional rice terraces with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Togakushi Shrine Forest Walk – Walk beneath towering cedar trees along a peaceful path leading to a historic shrine.
Narai-Juku – Explore a beautifully preserved post town with traditional wooden buildings along an old travel route.
Kamikochi – Enjoy clear rivers, mountain scenery, and peaceful walking trails in the Japanese Alps.
Bessho Onsen – Visit a quiet hot spring town near Ueda, known for historic temples and traditional inns.
Daio Wasabi Farm – Walk beside clear streams and wasabi fields in a scenic rural setting.
Lake Nojiri – Enjoy lakeside views, boating, and outdoor activities surrounded by mountains.

Seasonal Highlights
Spring - Enjoy cherry blossoms at Ueda Castle Park and explore temples and gardens in mild weather.
Summer - Pick blueberries and other seasonal fruits, hike in the Japanese Alps, and visit the cool mountain areas.
Autumn - Admire colorful mountain foliage and enjoy the harvest season for apples and grapes.
Winter - Go skiing or snowboarding, relax in hot springs, and watch snow monkeys at Jigokudani Monkey Park.