Related articles

【せんりみち公式】Check before you travel to Japan! How to purchase a SIM card to set up a smooth and hassle-free communication environment

Nagano Prefecture, located inland on Japan's main island of Honshu, is known for its rugged mountains, abundant nature, traditional townscapes, hot springs, and world-class ski resorts. Today, Nagano is also a highly attractive destination for international tourists. Unlike popular destinations like Kyoto and Tokyo, Nagano's fusion of unspoiled Japanese scenery, outdoor activities, and historical and cultural experiences makes it the perfect destination for travelers seeking the "real Japan." This article provides detailed information on Nagano's recommended sightseeing spots, experiences, gourmet food, and access methods, based on the latest tourism trends and the interests and needs of international tourists. It also includes information particularly useful for travelers from English-speaking and Asian countries, as well as popular scenic spots and hidden gems. We'll share all the charms of Nagano.

What is Nagano Prefecture? An explanation of its geography, attractions, and seasonal characteristics

A place surrounded by mountains and rich in nature

Nagano Prefecture is located in the Chubu region, in a mountainous region also known as the "Roof of Japan." Surrounded by three mountain ranges – the Northern Alps, Central Alps, and Southern Alps – Nagano offers a variety of seasonal activities, including trekking, mountain climbing, and skiing. The "Japan Alps," with its chain of mountains reaching heights of 3,000 meters, is particularly well-known as the "Japanese Alps" among foreign tourists, and is a dream destination for hikers, paragliders, and mountain climbing enthusiasts.

Climate and best season to travel

Nagano's climate is more inland than other areas of Japan, and is characterized by relatively cool summers and cold, snowy winters. The best season to visit depends on your purpose, but spring to autumn is the time for hiking and visiting hot springs, while skiing and snowboarding are popular in winter. There are attractions in every season, including cherry blossoms and wild vegetables blooming in the highlands in spring, summer resorts, some of Japan's best autumn foliage in autumn, and a world of silvery white in winter.

Access Basics: How Foreign Travelers Get to Nagano Prefecture

Access from Tokyo

Access to Nagano Prefecture is generally by train, bus, or car from the Tokyo metropolitan area. The most convenient route for foreign tourists is by Shinkansen. The Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it fast and comfortable. Another attractive feature is the JR Pass (Japan Rail Pass) for foreigners, which allows you to ride the Shinkansen at a discount. For certain routes, local passes such as the Shinshu Area Pass are also available.

Access from Chubu Centrair International Airport and the Kansai area

If you are traveling via Nagoya (Central Japan International Airport), you can take the Shinano limited express train from Nagoya directly to Matsumoto and Nagano. From Osaka, you can either go via Nagoya or use the Shinkansen and limited express. The number of foreign tourists visiting Nagano as an extension of their trips to Kyoto and Osaka is on the rise.

Top 10 sightseeing spots in Nagano that are popular with foreigners

Nagano has many attractive spots that foreign tourists visit. Here we will introduce a carefully selected list of the most popular tourist spots.

1. Jigokudani Monkey Park (Snow Monkeys)

At Jigokudani Monkey Park in Yamanouchi Town, Nagano Prefecture, you can see wild Japanese macaques bathing in hot springs. These "snow monkeys" are a famous tourist attraction, even being ranked in CNN's "Top 10 Tourist Destinations in Japan." The sight of the monkeys bathing in the hot springs amidst the snowy scenery is hugely popular on social media among foreigners. To get there, take the Nagano Electric Railway from Nagano Station and get off at Yudanaka Station. Then take a bus or taxi to the park.

2. Matsumoto Castle (National Treasure)

Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's five remaining "National Treasure Castles," is a highly rated tourist spot, even among foreign visitors. This black castle, which strongly retains the atmosphere of a medieval warlord, is also known as "Crow Castle." A historical structure that stands out from modern buildings, the photos taken from the garden are very picturesque. There are plenty of English guides available, and many foreign tourists visit.

3. Zenkoji Temple (Nagano City)

Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City is one of Japan's leading Buddhist temples, with a history of approximately 1,400 years. There are many things to enjoy even for non-religious travelers, and the popular "Okaidan Meguri" experience involves walking through pitch-black corridors and touching the key to paradise. There are also souvenir shops and vegetarian restaurants around the temple, so you can enjoy both the food and the culture.

4. Kamikochi (Taisho Pond to Kappa Bridge)

Kamikochi is a scenic mountain area located in the heart of the Japanese Alps. It is a valley that spreads out at an altitude of about 1,500m, and the views from the pure Taisho Pond and Kappa Bridge are spectacular. Hiking trails and great photo spots are also provided, making it easy for travelers with limited physical strength to explore, making it popular with foreigners as well.

5. Hakuba Village (The Mecca of Winter Sports)

Hakuba Village is a ski town at the foot of the Northern Alps. This area was also the venue for the Nagano Olympics in 1998, and is bustling with skiers from Europe, the United States, and Australia in the winter. There are also many resort hotels and restaurants that offer English service, making it ideal for long-term stays.

6. Togakushi (Home of Ninjas and Soba)

Togakushi is known as a mysterious village steeped in mythology. The pilgrimage route around Togakushi Shrine is also famous as a power spot, and is a hot topic among foreign tourists. Togakushi soba is also renowned as one of Japan's three great soba noodles, and you can enjoy the experience of making authentic hand-made soba noodles.

7. Ueda City (Sanada Yukimura's castle town)

Ueda Castle, which has gained popularity as a place associated with the Sengoku period warlord Sanada Yukimura, is popular with foreign tourists who love history. In recent years, the influence of anime and games has also led to an increase in the number of young tourists visiting the castle. After exploring the castle ruins and the townscape, you can also enjoy local sake and local cuisine.

8. Shiga Kogen (Combining nature conservation with resorts)

Shiga Kogen is a resort area rich in nature and has been designated as a UNESCO Ecopark, with its alpine plants and spectacular lakes and marshes. Trekking is popular in the summer, and skiing and snowboarding in the winter. Both offer beautiful photo opportunities, making them popular on Instagram.

9. Lake Suwa Area (Hot Springs and Fireworks)

Lake Suwa is home to a lakeside hot spring resort and a group of historic hot spring inns, making it a place where you can experience Japanese culture in depth. It offers a variety of exotic and memorable experiences for foreign tourists, including traditional events such as the Onbashira Festival and fireworks displays on the frozen lake surface in midwinter.

10. Tsumago-juku and Magome-juku (Post Towns on the Nakasendo Road)

The post towns of Tsumago-juku and Magome-juku, which still retain the atmosphere of the Edo period, are extremely popular with foreign tourists. They offer excellent cultural experiences such as staying in an old-style inn, walking around the town in a kimono, and making Japanese sweets. There are also beautiful, safe, and easy-to-walk paths that make them ideal for trekking.

Nagano's gourmet food that foreigners will love

Foreign tourists are also very interested in food culture, and Nagano Prefecture has many famous gourmet foods that are popular with foreigners.
– Shinshu Soba: Authentic taste born in the highlands
– Gohei mochi and oyaki: local foods that are also vegan-friendly
– Horse sashimi: a rare, beautiful and delicious dining experience
– Apple sweets: Nagano's fruit culture

Foreign language support and the evolution of tourism infrastructure

Recently, Nagano Prefecture has also seen an increase in signs in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, and Korean, and accommodations and tourist information centers are also offering free Wi-Fi and multilingual pamphlets. Cashless payment methods are also on the rise, making the area more convenient for foreign tourists.

Recommended accommodation guide for foreigners by area

Nagano City: Many affordable and convenient hotels around the Zenkoji area Matsumoto City: A comfortable place to live, combining a historic castle town with modern cafes Hakuba Village: Resort-style hotels and cottages with excellent English-speaking staff Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen: An area where you can experience hot springs at a Japanese-style inn

Activities and experience-based plans: What foreigners choose

– Kimono rental and walking around town
– Calligraphy and pottery experience
– Sake tasting and sake brewery tour
– Cycling tours and e-bike experiences

Key points for creating travel plans for inbound tourists

– English guide available
– Transportation integration (IC cards and bus passes)
– Include spots that look good on social media
– Achieving a balance between Japanese culture, nature, and food

summary

Nagano Prefecture is an ideal destination for foreign tourists to fully enjoy both Japanese culture and natural experiences. Nagano's charms, which combine "unusual tranquility for a tourist destination," "pristine scenery," "warm people," and "seasonal beauty," will bring new discoveries even to those who have traveled to Japan before. Access is surprisingly convenient, and the ease of arranging a trip is also appealing. Nagano is sure to attract more and more attention in the future from families who show foreigners around, guides, and those working in the tourism industry.

Make a reservation here!