Nagano City | Gateway to the Japanese Alps

Nagano City

Gateway to the Japanese Alps

Nagano showcased to the world its majestic mountain scenery, plentiful powder snow and adorable hot-spring-bathing monkeys as host of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. But beyond that snowy exterior is much more to be discovered.

From your gateway to the Japanese Alps, explore Nagano’s great outdoors as you hike, bike and experience your way through highland forests, rugged mountains, temple streets and old samurai towns.

Highlights in and around Nagano

Togakushi

A Forest of Towering Cedars and Ancient shrines

North of Nagano City at 1,000-meter-heights is Togakushi, known for its dense forests and the shrines that lie within. The Togakushi Kodo Trail runs through the forest, passing each shrine on its way to the Okusha, where you can see its lane of 400-year-old cedar trees reaching high into the sky.

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Zenkoji

The 1,400-year-old Spiritual Heart of Nagano

National Treasure Zenkoji Temple stands proudly above the landscape of Nagano City, featuring one of the largest wooden main halls of any temple in Eastern Japan. Said to be hidden away inside the temple is the first Buddhist icon brought to Japan from India, and for centuries, pilgrims have traveled here to pray for their rebirth in the Pure Land.

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Matsushiro

A Quiet Samurai Town of Countless Historical Treasures

From the ruins of Matsushiro Castle to the residences of high-ranking warriors and the military and literary academy, Matsushiro is home to countless, well-preserved remnants of its samurai past. Walk along charming streets to historical sites, partake in Japanese martial arts experiences, and cycle through quiet countryside roads to old battlegrounds and hot springs.

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Northern Nagano and the Japanese Alps

Outdoor Activities All Year Long

Majestic snow-capped mountains. Countryside fields of bright-yellow canola and rice. Highland marshes and woodland trekking trails. These and more are all within arm’s reach of Nagano City.

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Map and Access

A thorough system of highways, train and bullet train lines make it easy to access Nagano City from major cities around Japan, whether you’re trying to save time, money or see as much as possible during your stay.
The Hokuriku Shinkansen runs from central Tokyo through Nagano on to Toyama, Kanazawa, Fukui and Tsuruga.

Model Courses

4 Days of Outdoor Adventure

Walk an ancient pilgrimmage trail in Togakushi, climb to picturesque Happo Pond in Hakuba and cycle through the Japanese countryside on a four-day trip around Northern Nagano.

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Nagano's History and Culture

Take a trip to the venerable temples, forested shrines, old battlegrounds and historic townscapes around Nagano City.

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3 Days of Culinary Experiences in Nagano

Taste Nagano's local specialties, cook your own soba noodles and forage for wild vegetables on this 3-day model course based in Nagano City.

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Nagano's Winter Highlights

Enjoy the best of winter in Nagano while visiting the snow monkeys, skiing in the Japanese Alps and snowshoeing around the shrines of Togakushi.

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Nagano City by Category

Adventure and Outdoors

History and Culture

Local Cuisine

Winter Activities

4 Days of Outdoor Adventure in Northern Nagano [Model Course]

Walk an ancient pilgrimmage trail in Togakushi, climb to picturesque Happo Pond in Hakuba and cycle through the Japanese countryside on a four-day trip around Northern Nagano.

Outdoor Activities in Northern Nagano

Halfway between Tokyo and Kanazawa on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line, Iiyama City is an easily accessible slice of the Japanese countryside and full of adventure.

The Hakuba Valley

An outdoor playground at the base of the Northern Japanese Alps. From hiking and mountain biking to skiing and snowshoeing, there’s something to enjoy any time of year!

Nature and Hiking Trails in Shiga Kogen

Explore the highland forests and marshes of Shiga Kogen, a UNESCO biosphere reserve, on one of its many hiking trails.

4 Days of History and Culture around Nagano City

Take a trip to the venerable temples, forested shrines, old battlegrounds and historic townscapes around Nagano City.

Historical and Cultural Sightseeing Spots around Nagano City

Visit 1,400-year-old temples, ancient shrines and art-filled towns in and around Nagano City.

The Traditional Crafts of Nagano

From solid wood furniture and lacquerware to Japanese washi paper and silk, we'll introduce 9 of Nagano's traditional crafts.

Five Ways to Get in Touch with Ninja in Togakushi

Learn about Togakushi's ninja past through museums, outdoor activities, martial arts training and more!

3 Days of Hearty and Healthy Nagano Cuisine

Taste Nagano's local specialties, cook your own soba noodles and forage for wild vegetables on this 3-day model course based in Nagano City.

9 of Nagano's Best Local Foods

Enjoy some of the most delicious local dishes and snacks from around Nagano, Japan.

Soba-Making Lessons in Nagano

A comprehensive list of the ins and outs and recommendations of where you can make your very own soba in Nagano Prefecture

Food Experiences in Nagano

Take cooking classes, prepare your own soba noodles, learn how to make sake, or visit one of Nagano’s many orchards to pick apples right off the tree.

3 Days of Nagano’s Winter Highlights

Enjoy the best of winter in Nagano while visiting the snow monkeys, skiing in the Japanese Alps and snowshoeing around the shrines of Togakushi.

The Best Ski Resorts around Nagano

See the best ski resorts around Nagano, known for their plentiful powder snow and beautiful mountain scenery.

The Best Places to Go Snowshoeing in Nagano

Explore Nagano's incredible winter scenery on snowshoe hikes around some of the most popular snow resorts around the prefecture.

Five Ways to Enjoy the Snow

Snowmobiling, snowshoeing, sledding and more: there are plenty of activities to enjoy in Nagano's snowy mountains!