Area Guide
Nagano Prefecture is a treasure trove of tourism with diverse areas. Castle towns, highland resorts, hot spring villages, mountain regions — find the area that suits your travel style.
Gateway to Shinshu, spreading from the temple town of Zenkoji
Known worldwide as the host city of the 1998 Winter Olympics, Nagano City is a castle town that developed around Zenkoji Temple with its 1,400-year history. The city attracts visitors with its traditional soba culture, local miso and pickles, and easy access to surrounding hot spring areas.
A castle town woven by the National Treasure Matsumoto Castle and the Northern Alps
A cultural city centered around the National Treasure Matsumoto Castle with its five-story keep, featuring historic streets like Nakamachi and Nawate. Also the gateway to Kamikochi and Norikura Highland, with a blossoming new food culture including craft beer and wineries.
A resort where summer retreat elegance harmonizes with nature
A highland resort beloved by foreign missionaries since the Meiji era. Enjoy sophisticated resort life with shopping on Old Karuizawa Ginza Street, strolls around Kumoba Pond, and Harunire Terrace in the Hoshino area. With outlet malls and art museums, it offers diverse attractions throughout the year.
An outdoor paradise at the foot of the Northern Alps
Known worldwide as the ski jumping venue of the 1998 Winter Olympics, Hakuba is an all-season resort offering powder snow skiing in winter and trekking and mountain biking in summer. International restaurants and bars line the streets with excellent multilingual support.
A traditional hot spring village colored by steam and snow
A hot spring village with over 700 years of history, featuring 13 free public baths scattered throughout the village. In winter, enjoy both skiing and hot springs. Famous for Nozawana pickles and onsen eggs. Traditional events like the Dosojin Festival attract visitors, and it's increasingly popular with international skiers.
Where gods descend — Japan's premier mountain resort
A mountain resort at 1,500m elevation with stunning views of the Hotaka mountain range and Mt. Yake. The view of the Azusa River and Hotaka peaks from Kappa Bridge is one of Japan's most iconic mountain landscapes. Car restrictions preserve the natural environment, and the clean air and water heal all who visit.
