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Explore Nagano, a mountainous region in Chubu, known for its natural beauty, culture and skiing. Find attractions, events, food, accommodation and more in Nagano and its areas.
Nagano (長野市, Nagano-shi, pronounced [naganoꜜ ɕi]) is the capital and largest city of Nagano Prefecture, located in the Nagano Basin (Zenkoji Daira) in the central Chūbu region of Japan. Nagano is categorized as a core city of Japan .
- 834.81 km² (322.32 sq mi)
- Japan
Nagano is the capital of Nagano Prefecture and a popular destination for skiing, hot springs and culture. Explore its attractions, such as Zenkoji Temple, Togakushi Shrine, Ninpo Museum and more, or take side trips to nearby Matsumoto, Obuse and Karuizawa.
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- Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park. In the Jigokudani Valley above the hot spring town of Yamanouchi, you’ll find steaming geothermal vents and a troupe of onsen-loving Japanese macaques.
- Matsumoto Castle. One of Japan’s few remaining original castles, Matsumoto Castle is a National Treasure and the proud symbol of Matsumoto City. Its exquisite black-and-white exterior contrasts beautifully against the Northern Japanese Alps, and its interior includes a large museum of wartime artifacts, with many intact rifles and weapons from the Warring States Period.
- Zenkoji Temple. Zenkoji Temple is a national treasure with over 1,400 years of history. The first Buddhist icon to be brought from India to Japan is enshrined here, making the temple an important pilgrimage spot for Buddhists in Japan.
- Kamikochi. At the base of the Northern Japanese Alps is Kamikochi, an idyllic basin with crystal clear water and verdant forests. The views of the Hotaka mountain range from Kamikochi’s central Kappa Bridge are awe-inspiring and earn it a special place in the hearts of nature enthusiasts around Japan, and even around the world.
- 6845 Hirao, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401, Japan
- 0269-33-4379
- Visit Matsumoto Castle. Address. 4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-0873, Japan. Phone +81 263-32-2902. Web Visit website. While our minds may land on an image of Osaka Castle—or possibly Himeji Castle—when we think about Japanese castles, Nagano’s Matsumoto Castle is easily as impressive a sight, if not more so.
- Watch the Wild Japanese Macaques. Address. 6845 Hirao, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401, Japan. Phone +81 269-33-4379. Web Visit website.
- Walk the Roof of Japan. Address. Norikura Skyline, Japan. The highest road in Japan, the Norikura Echo Line, with an altitude of 8,800 feet, allows visitors to see the ten-meter high snow walls that make up the Tateyama Snow Corridor.
- Wander the Matsumoto City Museum of Art. Address. 4-chōme-2-22 Chūō, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-0811, Japan. Phone +81 263-39-7400. Web Visit website.
Enjoy Nagano's wild natural scenery at its many national parks, historical sites and hot springs. The Best of Nagano in Three Days Take in Nagano’s top highlights, including a samurai-era post town, a national treasure castle, the snow monkeys, the spiritual mo...
Feb 17, 2009 · Explore Nagano Prefecture, a mountainous area with rich cultural and natural attractions. Find out about its history, cuisine, art, and more from Lonely Planet's experts.
