Overview of Nagano

Nagano Prefecture is located basically in the center of Japan and is surrounded on all four sides by 3000-meter tall mountains, earning it the nickname of the “Roof of Japan”.
In 1998, Nagano hosted the Winter Olympics and Paralympics. The world-class snow resorts of Hakuba, Shiga Kogen Heights and NozawaOnsen continue to attract winter sports enthusiasts every year..
In addition, Nagano has convenient rail and expressway access to Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto and other major cities, and is in close proximity to such premier sightseeing spots as Mt. Fuji, Hida-Takayama andthe Tateyama Kurobe Alpen Route..
The prefecture spreads out to the north and south over 13,562 square kilometers,making it Japan’s fourth largest in size. Approximately 20% of the area is designatedas Natural Parks..
Nagano is a landlocked prefecture, located in the mountains, has long been an important hub for trade and travel, and over the centuries, developed its own unique cuisine. Some say that it’s due to the traditional diet of people here—it was difficult to find protein and rice was hard to grow, so folks made do with whatever they could find or produce in the harsh climate. That included eating grasshoppers and bee larvae, wild vegetables, saplings and buckwheat grains. Many of Nagano’s traditional foods reflect that lifestyle, and one of its most popular dishes is Soba.Not only soba, Nagano is famous for miso, sake, wine, beef, pork and local food, and so on.

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Don't miss

Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park

Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park is the only place in the world you can see wild monkeys bathing in hot springs. Seeing their human-like expression on their faces as they soak is sure to bring a smile to your face.

The Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park

Tsumago-juku and Narai-juku,

 

 

During the Edo Period, the Nakasendo was one of the main trails connecting Kyoto and Edo (now Tokyo), crossing the mountains of Central Japan. At a length of 523 kilometers, the trail took several weeks to journey on foot. Travelers would rest at post towns along the trail, many of which remain to this day. In these towns of old wooden inns and paper lanterns, you can slip back in time to a bygone era..

Walking the Nakasendo

Karuizawa

Only 60 minutes away from Tokyo, Karuizawa is an international highland resort combining the comforts of the city with lush forests and mountains. Enjoy shopping and dining at the Karuizawa Prince Shopping Mall, go cycling through wooded villa streets or visit natural sightseeing spots like Shiraito Falls.

Karuizawa

Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle has stood proudly in front of the Japanese Alps for over 400 years, its striking black-and-white contrast and complex construction earning it a spot as one of Japan’s five national treasure castles. Appreciate its majesty from afar or climb to the top of its six floors for views of Matsumoto City from above.

Matsumoto Castle

Kamikouchi

Located in Chubu Sangaku National Park, Kamikochi is a pristine basin at the base of the Northern Japanese Alps. An easy day trip from Matsumoto, some people travel here just to see the area’s iconic view of the Kappa Bridge in front of the Mt. Hotaka. There’s plenty of hiking and trekking to do here as well, from short walks along the Azusa River to multi-day climbs to the peaks of some of Japan’s tallest mountains.

Kamikochi

Access to Nagano

Trains

Despite being such a mountainous prefecture (its nickname is “The Roof of Japan”), access to Nagano is remarkably easy especially thanks to the shinkansen bullet train and series of automobile expressways built for the 1998 Winter Olympics. In an astonishingly quick 1hr. 25min. you can escape the concrete jungle of Tokyo and arrive at Nagano Station and be surrounded by mountains

From TOKYO to NAGANO

Features views of Mt. Asama near Karuizawa. Add’l departures incl. Ueno and Omiya; add’l stops are Karuizawa, Sakudaira, Ueda.

From NAGOYA to NAGANO

Via the scenic Kiso River Valley then Matsumoto with views of the Northern Alps. Convenient for the Kiso Area. Slight delays common.

From KANAZAWA to NAGANO

Service began March, 2015. Add’l departures incl. Toyama and Joetsu Myoko; add’l stop at Iiyama.

Airplane

Matsumoto Airport

Easily reach Nagano by air from Kansai(Kobe), New Chitose or Fukuoka airports. From Kansai International Airport, you can easily access Kobe Airport by ferry and fly to Matsumoto Airport from there (180 minutes including all transfers). See here for more information on flights to/from Matsumoto Airport.

Know about Nagano from Data

Nagano Prefecture is surrounded by the magnificent nature of 3,000m-class mountains and clear streams. The flow of the river from the watershed flows into the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean, and it is said that people moved to this area to trace the flow of the river. The 77 cities, towns and villages have unique climates, and the way of snowing and the way of blooming are different. The culture and farming villages that have been nurtured over a long history are full of beauty and dynamism, and the lifestyle that brings about the healthiest and longest life in Japan is now attracting attention from all over the world.

Highest number of peaks over 3,000m in Japan

Nagano Prefecture is surrounded by the magnificent nature of 3,000m-class mountains.

5 national parks covering 170,743ha

These parks are known for their beautiful alpine flowers, snowy valleys and imposing cliffs.

85 ski resorts around the prefecture

Nagano is known for its excellent powder snow and scenic resorts.

No. 2 in number of sake breweries in Japan (80)

Nagano's clear water and delicious rice make for great sake.

No. 2 in number of wineries in Japan (56)

You can enjoy many kinds of wines produced in Nagano's four distinct wine valleys.

One of the longest life expectancies in Japan (male:81.0, female:84.9)

Locals' healthy lifestyles and varied diets, rich in fermented foods, lead to long life.

Tips on What to Wear

Spring (April - June)　Fall (Sept. - Nov.)

Rubber-soled footwear for walking is best. The temperature can be chilly in the morning and evening, but can reach over 68 ﾟ F(20 ﾟC) in the afternoon. (Average temperatures are over 50 ﾟF(10 ﾟC).) It is best to wear a lightjacket that can be easily put on and taken off.

Summer (July - August)

It can become quite humid,and hot with temperaturesover 86 ﾟF(30 ﾟC). It's best to wear loose fittingclothes with breathable fabric. It's advisable to wear a hat to protect from the strong sunlight.

Winter (Dec. - March)

Some days, the temperature can be as low as 14 ﾟF(-10 ﾟC). Dress warmly, wearing a thick jacket. Coats are advisable if going to the mountains.

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