Best Places to Visit in Nagano Prefecture | Travel Guide (2024) | Things to Do, See & Eat
Nagano Prefecture Travel Guide
Quick overview of Nagano Prefecture with our expert tips and insights. Jump to any section.
- Nagano Prefecture Travel Videos
- Plan Nagano Prefecture Trip
- Best Places To Visit In Nagano Prefecture
- Hotels Map Of Nagano Prefecture
- Tours And Activities In Nagano Prefecture
- Food And Drinks To Try In Nagano Prefecture
- Best Time To Visit Nagano Prefecture
- Flight Calendar For Nagano Prefecture
- Transportation To Nagano Prefecture
Welcome to Nagano Prefecture, Japan! Located in the Chubu region of the country, Nagano is a captivating destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural experiences. Known for its stunning mountain ranges, including the iconic Japanese Alps, Nagano is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The prefecture is also home to several world-renowned ski resorts, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. In addition to its natural wonders, Nagano is steeped in history, with numerous ancient temples, shrines, and castles dotting its landscape. Visitors can immerse themselves in the traditional Japanese culture by exploring the historic town of Matsumoto or witnessing the famous snow monkeys bathing in the hot springs of Jigokudani Monkey Park. With its diverse attractions and unique experiences, Nagano Prefecture is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable journey through Japan.
Nagano Prefecture Travel Videos
We've curated authentic Nagano Prefecture videos for inspiration and practical tips. Discover all the amazing places to visit and things to do in Nagano Prefecture in 2024. Make your own Itinerary, like a Pro.
![[4K/HDR/Binaural] Nagano Spring 2022 Walking Tour - Nagano Japan](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/qzqxPZwNUs0/hqdefault.jpg)
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Best Places To Visit in Nagano Prefecture
1. Nagano City : Nagano City is the capital of Nagano Prefecture and is known for its beautiful temples and shrines. The city is also famous for hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics, and visitors can still see the Olympic facilities today. One of the most popular attractions in Nagano City is the Zenko-ji Temple, which is one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in Japan.
2. Matsumoto : Matsumoto is a picturesque city located in the heart of the Japanese Alps. The city is famous for its stunning Matsumoto Castle, which is one of the most beautiful castles in Japan. Visitors can also explore the Nakamachi Street, which is lined with traditional Japanese buildings and shops.
3. Hakuba : Hakuba is a popular ski resort town located in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture. The town is known for its world-class ski slopes and stunning mountain views. Visitors can also enjoy hot springs, hiking, and other outdoor activities in the area.
4. Karuizawa : Karuizawa is a charming resort town located in the southern part of Nagano Prefecture. The town is known for its beautiful natural scenery, including waterfalls, forests, and mountains. Visitors can also enjoy shopping, dining, and other leisure activities in the town.
5. Shiga Kogen : Shiga Kogen is a large ski resort located in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture. The resort is known for its excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions, as well as its stunning mountain views. Visitors can also enjoy hot springs and other outdoor activities in the area.
6. Obuse : Obuse is a small town located in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture. The town is known for its beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring and its delicious chestnuts in the fall. Visitors can also explore the town's many art galleries and museums.
7. Togakushi : Togakushi is a small village located in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture. The village is known for its beautiful Togakushi Shrine, which is dedicated to the god of martial arts. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities in the area.
8. Azumino : Azumino is a small town located in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture. The town is known for its beautiful natural scenery, including the Azumino Alps and the Daio Wasabi Farm. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, cycling, and other outdoor activities in the area.
9. Nozawa Onsen : Nozawa Onsen is a small hot spring town located in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture. The town is known for its excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions, as well as its many hot springs. Visitors can also enjoy traditional Japanese culture and cuisine in the town.
10. Ueda : Ueda is a historic city located in the eastern part of Nagano Prefecture. The city is known for its beautiful Ueda Castle, which was built in the 16th century. Visitors can also explore the city's many temples and shrines, as well as its traditional Japanese streets and shops.
Hotels Map Of Nagano Prefecture
Use our All-in-one Map to find Best Hotels, Vacation Rentals, Tours, Activities and Restaurants in Nagano Prefecture.
Tours And Activities In Nagano Prefecture
Check out these Top-Rated Tours and Activities in Nagano Prefecture. Read real reviews and highlights.
Food & Drinks To Try In Nagano Prefecture
1. Soba noodles: Nagano Prefecture is famous for its delicious soba noodles, which are made from buckwheat flour. The noodles are typically served cold with a dipping sauce or in a hot broth with various toppings such as tempura or green onions.
2. Shinshu apples: Nagano is known for its high-quality apples, particularly the Shinshu variety. These apples are crisp, juicy, and have a sweet and tart flavor. They are perfect for eating fresh or using in desserts like apple pies or tarts.
3. Hida beef: Hida beef, also known as Hida-gyu, is a premium Japanese beef that is raised in the Hida region of Nagano. The beef is known for its marbling, tenderness, and rich flavor. It is often enjoyed as steak or in dishes like sukiyaki or shabu-shabu.
4. Oyaki: Oyaki is a traditional Nagano snack that consists of a dough filled with various ingredients such as vegetables, mushrooms, or sweet bean paste. The dough is then steamed or grilled, resulting in a soft and flavorful dumpling-like treat.
5. Sake: Nagano Prefecture is one of the top sake-producing regions in Japan. The prefecture's clean water and rice fields provide ideal conditions for brewing high-quality sake. Visitors can enjoy tasting different types of sake, ranging from dry to sweet, at local breweries.
6. Sansai: Sansai refers to wild mountain vegetables that are foraged in Nagano Prefecture. These vegetables include bamboo shoots, ferns, mushrooms, and various greens. They are often used in traditional Japanese dishes like tempura, pickles, or simmered dishes.
7. Hoshigaki: Hoshigaki is a traditional Japanese dried persimmon that is made in Nagano Prefecture. The persimmons are peeled, hung to dry, and massaged daily to remove moisture and develop a sweet and chewy texture. Hoshigaki is a popular snack and can also be used in desserts or tea.
8. Nagano wine: Nagano Prefecture has a growing wine industry, producing a variety of wines from locally grown grapes. The cool climate and mountainous terrain contribute to the unique flavors of Nagano wines. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings and vineyard tours in the region.
9. Sake-steamed fish: Nagano is also known for its freshwater fish, such as trout and char. One popular way to prepare these fish is by steaming them with sake, which enhances their natural flavors and creates a delicate and moist dish.
10. Miso products: Nagano Prefecture is famous for its miso production. Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning made from fermented soybeans. Nagano's miso is known for its rich and deep flavor, and it is used in various dishes like miso soup, marinades, and glazes.
Overall, Nagano Prefecture offers a diverse range of delicious food and drinks that showcase the region's natural resources and culinary traditions. From soba noodles to Hida beef and sake, visitors can indulge in a unique and flavorful dining experience in Nagano.
Best Time To Visit Nagano Prefecture
The best time to visit Nagano Prefecture, Japan is during the winter months of December to February. This is when the region is transformed into a winter wonderland with heavy snowfall and ideal conditions for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. Nagano is famous for hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics and is home to several world-class ski resorts such as Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen, and Shiga Kogen. Additionally, Nagano is known for its onsen (hot springs), which are particularly enjoyable during the cold winter months. The snow monkeys of Jigokudani Monkey Park are also a popular attraction during this time, as they can be seen soaking in the hot springs to keep warm. However, it is important to note that winter in Nagano can be extremely cold, so visitors should come prepared with warm clothing and appropriate gear.
Flight Calendar For Nagano Prefecture
Use our flight calendar to discover the Cheapest Days and Months to Book Flight to Nagano Prefecture.
Transportation To Nagano Prefecture
There are several transportation options to Nagano Prefecture, Japan.
1. By Air: The nearest airport to Nagano Prefecture is Matsumoto Airport, which has domestic flights from Tokyo and other major cities in Japan. From the airport, you can take a bus or taxi to your destination in Nagano Prefecture.
2. By Train: Nagano Prefecture is well-connected by train. The most convenient way to reach Nagano Prefecture is by taking the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. From Nagano Station, you can transfer to local trains or buses to reach your final destination within the prefecture.
3. By Bus: There are also long-distance buses that operate between major cities in Japan and Nagano Prefecture. These buses are a more affordable option compared to trains or flights. The bus terminals are usually located near major train stations or city centers.
4. By Car: If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car and drive to Nagano Prefecture. The prefecture is well-connected by highways, and there are several rental car companies available. However, please note that driving in Japan requires an International Driving Permit (IDP) and familiarity with local traffic rules.
Once you arrive in Nagano Prefecture, there are local transportation options such as trains, buses, and taxis to help you get around within the prefecture.