Enchanting Tourist Destinations in Nagano Prefecture: A Guide for International Visitors

Located in the heart of Japan, Nagano Prefecture offers breathtaking mountain landscapes, rich historical heritage, and stunning seasonal beauty. Known as the home of the “Japanese Alps,” this region provides an ideal escape from urban bustle, allowing travelers to experience traditional Japanese scenery and culture. This guide introduces the most impressive attractions in Nagano Prefecture, particularly focusing on destinations that will amaze international visitors.

Overview of Nagano Prefecture

Nagano Prefecture is located in the central region of Honshu, Japan’s main island. As the country’s fourth-largest prefecture by area, it boasts numerous 3,000-meter peaks creating a spectacular alpine backdrop. Nagano gained international recognition when it hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics, putting this beautiful region on the global map.

The climate is characteristic of mountainous areas, with cool summers and snowy winters. These conditions have fostered world-class ski resorts, rejuvenating hot springs, and highland vegetables that are prized throughout Japan.

The best time to visit Nagano depends on your interests. Spring (April-May) offers cherry blossoms and alpine flowers, summer (June-August) is perfect for hiking and escaping the heat, autumn (September-November) brings magnificent foliage, and winter (December-March) attracts skiers and snowboarders from around the world. Now, let’s explore Nagano’s most captivating attractions.

Zenkoji Temple – 1,400 Years of Buddhist Heritage

Located in the heart of Nagano City, Zenkoji Temple stands as one of Japan’s most important Buddhist temples, with a history stretching back over 1,400 years. The main deity, Amida Buddha, is considered a “hibutsu” (secret Buddha) that is never shown to the public, with a replica displayed only during special “Gokaicho” ceremonies held once every 33 years.

One of the most unique experiences at Zenkoji is the “Passage to Paradise” – a completely dark tunnel beneath the main hall. Visitors navigate this passage by feeling their way along the walls, hoping to touch a metal key in the darkness that is said to open the door to paradise. This symbolic experience represents Buddhist teachings and leaves a profound impression on visitors regardless of their religious beliefs.

Zenkoji proclaims itself “non-denominational,” welcoming people of all faiths. This rare arrangement is reflected in its management, with both Tendai and Jodo sect priests jointly overseeing the temple.

Walking through the grounds, you’ll admire the magnificent main hall (a National Treasure) showcasing Edo-period architecture, the impressive mountain gate, and the temple approach lined with traditional pilgrims’ lodgings and souvenir shops, all exuding an authentic old-world Japanese atmosphere.

Zenkoji Temple is conveniently accessible, just a 15-minute bus ride from JR Nagano Station. If you visit early in the morning, you can observe locals performing their daily prayers, offering a glimpse into the temple’s role as a living center of faith.

Matsumoto Castle – The Majestic Beauty of a National Treasure

Towering over Matsumoto City stands Matsumoto Castle, Japan’s oldest existing five-story, six-level castle tower. Known for its black exterior, it has earned the nickname “Karasu-jo” (Crow Castle), although the Matsumoto Castle Management Office notes that this nickname does not appear in historical documents and is a relatively recent moniker.

Designated as a National Treasure, Matsumoto Castle was built in the late 16th century and fortunately escaped both the castle demolition edict of the Meiji period and the damage of war, preserving its original structure as a precious historical monument. All five buildings of the castle complex (main keep, small northwest tower, connecting passage, southeast corner tower, and moon-viewing tower) are designated National Treasures, making it quite unique among Japanese castles.

The castle’s greatest charm is its beautiful tower silhouette, especially when viewed against the backdrop of the Northern Japan Alps, reflecting in the moat waters. The view is particularly picturesque during cherry blossom season in spring and amid autumn foliage.

Inside the castle, visitors will encounter extremely steep stairs, offering insight into the mobility of samurai warriors and the defensive strategies of the time. The interior also houses exhibitions of weapons and historical artifacts, providing an educational glimpse into Japan’s history from the Warring States period through the Edo era.

The areas surrounding Matsumoto Castle, such as “Nakamachi” and “Nawate-dori,” preserve the ambiance of a traditional castle town. The district features cafes and craft shops housed in traditional buildings, making it a delightful area to explore.

At night, the illuminated Matsumoto Castle creates a magical atmosphere different from its daytime appearance. The castle illuminated against a snowy landscape in winter particularly resembles an ink painting, attracting many photography enthusiasts.

Matsumoto Castle is conveniently located just a 15-minute walk from JR Matsumoto Station.

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park – Hot Spring-Bathing Japanese Macaques

One of Nagano’s most popular attractions among international visitors is the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park in Yamanouchi Town. Here, visitors can observe wild Japanese macaques (often called “snow monkeys”) bathing in natural hot springs – a globally unique phenomenon.

The history of Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park dates back to 1964. Initially established for research purposes to observe wild monkeys’ behavior, it gained international fame in 1970 when it was featured on the cover of LIFE magazine. Later, during the Nagano Olympics, many foreign visitors came to see the snow monkeys, spreading their fame worldwide.

The monkeys at the park maintain their completely wild state, living naturally except for the food provided by humans. The park’s motto is “not to interfere with the wild lifestyle,” and visitors are prohibited from touching or feeding the monkeys.

The sight of monkeys soaking in steaming hot springs against a snowy winter landscape is remarkably impressive, attracting numerous photographers and nature enthusiasts. Their expressions and gestures closely resemble humans, and visitors can observe their family bonds and social interactions.

Approximately 200 Japanese macaques inhabit the park, visible year-round, though the largest number of monkeys enter the hot springs during the cold season from December to March.

To access Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, take a bus from either Yudanaka Station on the Nagano Electric Railway or JR Nagano Station, then walk about 30 minutes along a mountain trail. In winter, the path can be slippery with snow and ice, so appropriate footwear and warm clothing are recommended.

Hakuba Village – Magnificent Mountain Resort in the Japanese Alps

Nestled at the foot of the Northern Japan Alps, Hakuba Village is internationally known as a winter ski resort, but it offers various activities throughout the four seasons. It famously served as a competition venue for the 1998 Nagano Olympics, hosting ski jumping and other events. The Hakuba Ski Jump Stadium is particularly notable as Japan’s only facility with both normal hill and large hill jump courses side by side, continuing to attract many tourists and athletes as an Olympic legacy.

Hakuba’s greatest attraction is undoubtedly its majestic landscape formed by 3,000-meter-class mountains. The “Hakuba Sanzan” (Hakuba Three Mountains) – comprising Mount Hakuba, Mount Shakushi, and Mount Hakuba Yarigatake – presents a spectacular view that symbolizes Japan’s mountain beauty and is beloved by many climbers and nature enthusiasts.

During winter (December-April), over 10 ski resorts open their slopes, attracting skiers and snowboarders from around the world who seek the high-quality powder snow. Particularly renowned ski resorts like “Happo-one,” “Hakuba Goryu,” and “Hakuba 47” offer diverse courses suitable for beginners to advanced skiers.

In summer (May-November), visitors can enjoy hiking, trekking, mountain biking, paragliding, and various other outdoor activities. A popular attraction is the “Hakuba Daisekkei” (Great Snow Valley), where snow remains even in midsummer, allowing for summer skiing.

The village also features numerous hot springs where visitors can relax after a day of activities. “Himekawa Onsen” and “Happo Onsen” are among the many options, each with distinct water qualities and atmospheres.

Hakuba Village is accessible by bus from JR Nagano Station (about 1 hour) or by highway bus from Tokyo (about 5 hours). Access by car is also convenient, taking around 3-4 hours from the Kanto region.

Kamikochi – Japan’s Premier Alpine Scenic Area

Located in Chubu-Sangaku National Park, Kamikochi is one of Japan’s premier mountain resorts, celebrated for its scenic beauty formed by the crystal-clear Azusa River and the Northern Japan Alps mountains. This highland area at approximately 1,500 meters elevation is often called “Japan’s Yosemite” and has been cherished by many literary figures and mountaineers throughout history.

The iconic “Kappa Bridge” is the symbol of Kamikochi, offering stunning views of the majestic Hotaka mountain range. The scenery of the clear Azusa River and surrounding mountains as viewed from this bridge is truly picture-perfect. The current Kappa Bridge is the fifth suspension bridge, rebuilt in 1997, continuing to inspire deep emotions in all who visit.

Other highlights include highly transparent alpine ponds like “Myojin Pond” and “Taisho Pond,” which are particularly enchanting when enveloped in morning mist. The waters of the Azusa River shine with an emerald green hue, so clear that stones on the riverbed are visible, captivating all visitors with their beauty.

To protect its natural environment, Kamikochi is only accessible from late April to mid-November, and private vehicles are prohibited. Thanks to these strict conservation policies, the rich natural environment is maintained, with many wild animals such as Japanese macaques and Japanese serow inhabiting the area.

Here, visitors can enjoy trekking courses for all levels, from beginner-friendly walking paths to advanced mountain climbing routes. Particularly popular is the approximately one-hour walk from Kappa Bridge to Myojin Pond, passing the “Weston Relief” monument commemorating Walter Weston, known as the father of modern mountaineering in Japan.

To access Kamikochi, take a bus from JR Matsumoto Station or Shin-Shimashima Station. Express buses also operate from outside Nagano Prefecture. If traveling by car, you must park at Sawando or Hirayu parking areas and transfer to a shuttle bus.

Karuizawa – An International Resort Famous as a Summer Retreat

Located at the foot of Mount Asama, Karuizawa was developed as a summer retreat by foreign missionaries during the Meiji era and remains a popular resort destination for both domestic and international tourists. Situated on a plateau at about 1,000 meters elevation, it stays pleasantly cool even during summer. Known as a villa retreat for the Imperial Family, the town exudes a sophisticated atmosphere with its refined townscape.

The “Old Karuizawa Ginza Street” in the center of town is a shopping street lined with historic shops and Western-style buildings, enjoyable just for strolling. The “Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza” is a large outlet mall with about 240 stores offering domestic and international brand items at reasonable prices, making it popular with shopping enthusiasts.

For nature lovers, “Kumoba Pond” is recommended. This pond reflects beautiful seasonal landscapes, particularly impressive during autumn foliage season, attracting many photography enthusiasts. Other natural attractions in the surrounding area include “Shiraito Falls” and “Mount Asama.”

Historical buildings are another highlight of Karuizawa. The “Karuizawa Shaw House Memorial Museum” is a building once used by foreign missionaries for gatherings and entertainment, allowing visitors to feel the Western cultural influence of that time. Beautiful church architecture is also scattered throughout the area, including “Karuizawa Kogen Church” and “St. Paul’s Catholic Church.”

Access to Karuizawa is very convenient, just about one hour from Tokyo via the Hokuriku Shinkansen, or about two hours by car using the Kanetsu and Joshinetsu Expressways.

Okushiga Kogen – Secluded Snowy Landscape and Hot Springs

Located in the northwest part of Shiga Kogen, Okushiga Kogen is a secluded resort area embraced by rich nature and tranquility. Particularly in winter, its ski resort is highly regarded by domestic and international skiers and snowboarders for its world-class powder snow quality.

The main characteristic of Okushiga Kogen Ski Resort is its quiet environment and diverse terrain. With limited large-scale development, it rarely becomes crowded, offering a luxurious skiing experience as if having the high-quality snow all to yourself. The resort features many courses for intermediate to advanced skiers, especially popular among those who enjoy tree runs and backcountry skiing.

The area around the ski resort is also rich in hot spring resources, allowing visitors to soothe their fatigue after a day of skiing. “Okushiga Onsen” in particular features simple thermal springs that are gentle on the skin, with a temperature and mineral content perfect for long soaks.

From spring to autumn, the area is known as a treasury of alpine plants, with various mountain flowers blooming, especially from June to July. The autumn foliage is also spectacular, with the golden colors of larch and beech trees contrasting beautifully with the deep crimson of mountain ash.

To access Okushiga Kogen, take a bus bound for Shiga Kogen from JR Nagano Station and get off at Okushiga Kogen. Access by car is also possible, but in winter, snow tires or chains are necessary due to heavy snowfall.

Utsukushigahara Kogen – 360-Degree Panoramic Views

Located at an elevation of about 2,000 meters, Utsukushigahara Kogen is an alpine plateau counted among “Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains.” Its vast grasslands and 360-degree panoramic views are its main attractions, offering glimpses of the Northern and Southern Japan Alps, Mount Yatsugatake, and even Mount Fuji on clear days, earning it the saying “Ibuki in the east, Utsukushigahara in the west.”

The most famous spot in Utsukushigahara Kogen is “Ogaashira” (King’s Head). Here stands the approximately 6-meter tall “Ogaashira Hotel” sign and a radar dome, which have become symbols of Utsukushigahara. Other points of interest such as “Utsukushi Tower” and “Ushibuse Mountain” are scattered across the plateau and can be visited while enjoying trekking.

Utsukushigahara Kogen is also a flower paradise where various alpine plants bloom from spring to autumn. Particularly from July to August, colorful highland flowers such as Nikko daylilies and geraniums adorn the grasslands.

Within the plateau, there are educational and cultural facilities such as the “Utsukushigahara Nature Conservation Center” and the “Utsukushigahara Highland Art Museum.” The art museum is especially unique for displaying outdoor sculptures against the backdrop of magnificent nature.

Access to Utsukushigahara Kogen is possible by bus from Matsumoto City or Ueda City, or by car. Note that the plateau is closed in winter (late November to late April) due to snow accumulation, so it’s important to check the season before planning a visit.

Togakushi Shrine – A Mystical Shrine Along a Cedar Avenue

Located in the northwest part of Nagano City, Togakushi Shrine is a venerable shrine with over 2,000 years of history, known as a legendary site associated with Amaterasu Omikami and Susanoo no Mikoto from Japanese mythology. It once flourished as a center of Shinto-Buddhist syncretism and is now divided into five shrines (Hokosha, Chusha, Kuzuryusha, Hinomikosha, and Okusha).

The most distinctive feature of Togakushi Shrine is its avenue of giant cedar trees, some over 400 years old. Particularly impressive is the approach to Chusha (Middle Shrine), where a cedar avenue extends for about 2 kilometers, creating a solemn atmosphere. This mystical environment evokes the origins of Japanese nature worship.

Among the five shrines, Kuzuryusha (Nine-Headed Dragon Shrine) is especially popular. This shrine dedicated to water and rain deities is linked with dragon legends, and behind the shrine lies the mystical “Kagami-ike” (Mirror Pond). The scenery of forest and sky reflected in this pond is breathtaking, captivating many photography enthusiasts.

The Togakushi area is also famous for “Togakushi soba” (buckwheat noodles), and enjoying a meal at a local soba restaurant after visiting the shrine is a popular tourist activity. Although the buckwheat harvest is small, its flavor is exceptional, making it one of the reasons many tourists visit.

Access to Togakushi Shrine is by bus from Nagano Station, taking about 1 hour. As the five shrines are separated from each other, traveling by car or bus is recommended for visiting all of them. The area is particularly beautiful during autumn foliage season (mid to late October), attracting many tourists.

Conclusion

Nagano Prefecture is a destination where traditional Japanese culture harmonizes beautifully with magnificent nature. From historical buildings like Zenkoji Temple and Matsumoto Castle to globally unique natural phenomena such as the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, and grand mountain scenery like Hakuba and Kamikochi, the region offers diverse attractions.

For international visitors in particular, Nagano provides precious opportunities to experience traditional aspects of Japan not found in urban areas and to enjoy the beauty of nature through the four seasons. Hot springs, traditional Japanese cuisine, and the warm hospitality of local people further enhance Nagano’s appeal.

Access to Nagano Prefecture from major cities like Tokyo and Osaka is relatively convenient, with well-established transportation options including Shinkansen, limited express trains, and highway buses. Within the prefecture, efficient sightseeing is possible by combining JR lines, local railways, buses, and rental cars.

Showing different faces throughout the four seasons, Nagano Prefecture has far too many charms to experience in just one visit. Take your time to enjoy the diverse attractions of this rich region. Nagano Prefecture will surely create unforgettable memories for all travelers seeking to experience the essence of Japan.

References

1. Nagano Prefecture Official Tourism Website “Go NAGANO”, https://www.go-nagano.net/, accessed April 30, 2025
2. Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/chubu/nagano/, accessed April 30, 2025
3. “Shinshu-Nagano Tourism Guide”, Nagano Prefecture Tourism Organization, https://www.nagano-tabi.net/, accessed April 30, 2025