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Formerly known as Shinshū and often referred to as the 'Roof of Japan', Nagano Prefecture (長野県) is a wonderful place to visit for its regal mountains, rich cultural history, fine architecture and cuisine.
Nagano is a big prefecture, the fourth largest in Japan. Stretching in a north–south direction, yet with no coastline, Nagano is home to a hefty chunk of Chūbu-Sangaku National Park, as well as several quasi-national parks that attract skiers, mountaineers and onsen aficionados.
Nagano city, the prefectural capital and host of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games, is home to Zenkō-ji, a spectacular temple of national significance. Renowned resorts such as Kamikōchi, Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen, Shiga Kōgen and Karuizawa are all within Nagano's prefectural borders, as is Matsumoto, considered the gateway to the northern Japan Alps. The Kiso Valley, the Central Alps and northern parts of the Southern Alps are also in Nagano.
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Nagano Region.
Buddhist Temple
Founded in the 7th century, National Treasure Zenkō-ji is home to the revered statue Ikkō-Sanzon, said to be the first Buddhist image to arrive in Japan (AD 552). Not even 37 generations of emperors have seen the image, though millions of visitors flock here to view a copy every seven years during the Gokaichō Matsuri. Zenkō-ji's immense popularity stems partly from its liberal welcoming of pilgrims, regardless of gender, creed or religious belief.
Shinto Shrine
Comprising three sub-shrines, Togakushi-Hōkōsha, Togakushi-Chūsha and Togakushi-Okusha, each a few kilometres apart, Togakushi-jinja honours the 1911m-high Togakushi-san. According to legend, the mountain is where sun goddess Amaterasu hid in a cave behind a stone door, plunging the world into darkness, before another deity flung the door away, luring her out and restoring light. Chūsha, located in the middle of the village, is the easiest shrine to get to.
Park
Here's your chance to get up close and personal with Asama-yama – so close, you could almost touch it. Formed in 1783 by Asama's last violent eruption, this 'Hurled by Demons' park has a surreal landscape of jagged, hardened magma juxtaposed with verdant fields: volcanic soil is extremely fertile. Best accessed with your own wheels, the park is on the Onioshi Highway Toll Rd linking Naka-Karuizawa with Tsumagoi to the north. Ask at the Karuizawa Tourist Association office for bus details.
Gallery
Japan's most famous ukiyo-e (woodblock print) artist, Hokusai, spent his final years in Obuse. There's an audiovisual presentation on his life in the theatre, and his '36 Views of Fuji' plus other works are exhibited in the gallery, which has recently undergone extensive renovation. You can buy everything Hokusai in the museum shop. It's a 10-minute, well-signposted walk from Obuse Station.
Gallery
This light-filled gallery showcases an impressive collection of contemporary work by Japanese artists who have found fame abroad in genres such as oil painting, 3D art and sculpture. It's in a lovely forested spot between Karuizawa and Naka-Karuizawa Stations.
Wildlife Reserve
Pleasant in winter when shrouded in snow but less appealing when seasonally bare, Jigokudani Monkey Park is wildly popular. Made famous by the 1992 film Baraka, where wild monkeys appear to bathe in natural onsen pools, the park sees thousands flock here each year to view the over-photographed troupe of wild Japanese macaques who are lured into the park with food. Many visitors are looking for that classic photo of a monkey in the steaming rotemburo with snow on its head.
Viewpoint
On the border of Gunma and Nagano Prefectures, about 4km east of Karuizawa on Rte 18, you'll find the Usui Pass, historically an important point on the Nakasendō, one of the two routes of the Edo period that linked Tokyo and Kyoto. A train line ran through the pass from 1893 to 1997. The observation platform has stunning views of Asama-yama and surrounding mountains. There's no public transport; for directions, ask at the Karuizawa Tourist Association office.
Shinto Shrine
From Okusha bus stop it's 2km (40 minutes' walk) to Okusha (meaning 'Upper Shrine') – the innermost of the three sub-shrines making up Togakushi-jinja – via a magnificent 500m-long cedar-lined path (杉並木; suginamiki) planted in 1612, with plenty of twists and turns and many stone stairs. It's not an easy walk for those with limited mobility, but it's certainly a rewarding one.
Museum
Above the Okusha bus stop you'll find this museum housing artefacts from a time when local yamabushi (mountain monks) practised what became known as ninpo (the art of stealth). The Ninja House is the most fun, cleverly concocted with trick doors, hidden staircases and a room that slopes upwards.
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