The Hub That Has It All
You’ll find something for everyone to experience in or around Nagano City—historic shrines and temples, Olympic venues and winter sports, hot springs and snow monkeys, or art and culture.

Located in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture, Nagano City is both the prefecture’s capital and its largest city. Standing in the heart of the city is Zenkoji Temple, with some 1400 years of history behind it, and there are 39 other temples and pilgrims’ lodgings around Zenkoji, lending the whole area a mystic air.

The site of the opening ceremony to the 1998 Winter Olympics, Olympic Stadium is now preserved as part of Minami Nagano Sports Park, one of many Nagano Olympic venues that still remain. And M-Wave houses the Nagano Olympic Museum as well as a skating rink that’s open to the public (enjoy ice skating from October to March).

Opened in 2021, Nagano Prefectural Art Museum is a short walk from Zenkoji Temple and also accessible by bus. The museum has a special focus on artists born in or connected to Nagano Prefecture, as well as artwork showcasing Japan’s beautiful mountains and spiritual culture.

Conveniently situated near such tourist destinations as Togakushi, Matsushiro, Obuse, and Jigokudani Wild Snow Monkey Park, and less than 1 hour from the ski resorts in Nozawa Onsen, Hakuba, Shiga Kogen (highlands), and Madarao Kogen, Nagano City is an ideal travel hub for visitors.

Map and Access

The Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo takes 1 hour 40 minutes, and the Shinano (Limited Express) from Nagoya takes about 3 hours to reach Nagano Station. Zenkoji Temple is about a 20-minute walk from Nagano Station, though there is also bus service around the city. Surrounding tourist areas can be reached by bus or train from Nagano Station.

Where to Stay

Around Zenkoji Temple

Zenkoji is surrounded by numerous temples and shukubo, or pilgrims’ lodgings. To experience Zenkoji on a deeper level, we recommend staying at a shukubo. There are also several hostels in the area that are renovated Japanese traditional houses.

By Nagano Station

There is an array of western-style lodgings and business hotels, which are recommended for those who need to set out early the next day, or those who want to stay someplace close to the drinking establishments.

Matsushiro

Those wanting to stay in a quiet, old-fashioned town should head to Matsushiro, known for its brownish hot spring baths rich in iron. Matsushiro also has hot spring inns and guest houses.