Buddhist Temple
Zenkō-jiFounded 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 …
Image by Hiro1775 / Getty Images
Nagano Region
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.
Explore Nagano Region
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Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Nagano Region.
Shinto Shrine
Togakushi-jinjaComprising three sub-shrines, Togakushi-Hōkōsha, Togakushi-Chūsha and Togakushi-Okusha, each a few kilometres apart, Togakushi-jinja honours the 1911m…
Gallery
Hokusai MuseumJapan'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…
Park
Asama-yama Magma Stone ParkHere'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,…
Gallery
'Umi' Museum of Contemporary ArtThis light-filled gallery showcases an impressive collection of contemporary work by Japanese artists who have found fame abroad in genres such as oil…
Wildlife Reserve
Jigokudani Monkey ParkPleasant in winter when shrouded in snow but less appealing when seasonally bare, Jigokudani Monkey Park is wildly popular. Made famous by the 1992 film…
Viewpoint
Usui Pass LookoutOn 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…
Shinto Shrine
Togakushi-OkushaFrom 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 –…
Museum
Togakushi Folk Museum & Ninja HouseAbove 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…
Buddhist Temple
Kitamuki KannonThe grounds of this Tendai temple have some impressive ancient trees and sweeping valley views. The temple's name comes from the fact that this Kannon…
Shinto Shrine
Togakushi-HōkōshaAlthough it's nestled among cedars apparently close to the village, Hōkōsha, the pretty lower sub-shrine of Togakushi-jinja, is reached via 274 ancient,…
Museum
Former Mikasa HotelThis property, one of the first Western hotels in Japan, welcomed guests from 1906 to 1970. An exceptional example of elaborate Meiji-era architecture, it…
Shinto Shrine
Togakushi-ChūshaOne of the three sub-shrines of Togakushi-jinja, intimate Chūsha, meaning 'middle shrine', is the most accessible, located prominently in the centre of…
Buddhist Temple
Anraku-jiOf the Sōtō Zen sect, Anraku-ji is the oldest Zen temple in Nagano. Dating from AD 824–34, it's a National Treasure, renowned for its octagonal pagoda…
Museum
Takai Kōzan KinenkanTakai Kōzan, woodblock artist Hokusai's friend and patron, was a businessman and an accomplished classical artist specialising in elegant Chinese-style…
Museum
Japanese Lamp & Lighting MuseumShowcasing lighting through Japanese history, including oil lamps and lanterns, this neat museum will flip the switches of design aficionados.