Nagano Prefecture is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural spots.
Located in the heart of Japan, it attracts visitors with its stunning landscapes, ancient temples, and charming hot springs.
Get ready to be amazed by the breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences waiting for you.
Let’s look at our 10 favourite Scenic Spots in Nagano.
🏞️ Would you love to visit Nagano? Then check out these amazing tours.
1) Kamikochi Valley
Kamikochi Valley is a picturesque spot in Nagano.
Nestled in the Northern Japan Alps, it’s known for its stunning mountain scenery.
You can enjoy hiking here while taking in the breathtaking views of the towering peaks.
This place stretches along the Azusa River and sits about 1,500 meters above sea level.
Its cool summer temperatures make for a refreshing escape from the heat.
Taisho Pond, with its clear waters reflecting the mountains, is a perfect spot for photos.
The emerald green forests add to Kamikochi’s lush beauty, making it a must-visit destination in Nagano.
2) Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle is a must-see spot in Nagano.
Known as the “Crow Castle” because of its black walls, it’s one of Japan’s most famous historic castles.
The contrast of its dark exterior against the surrounding scenery is stunning.
Built in the late 1500s, Matsumoto Castle has a lot of history.
You must remove your shoes to protect the wooden floors when you visit.
It’s worth every moment, as you’ll feel transported back in time.
Besides the castle itself, the grounds are beautifully maintained.
3) Zenko-ji Temple
Zenko-ji Temple is a must-visit spot in Nagano.
This ancient Buddhist temple, founded in the 7th century, has been a spiritual beacon for over a thousand years.
Located in the heart of Nagano City, it’s surrounded by a lively area with many shops and cafes.
The bustling Nakamise-dori avenue leads you right to the temple.
One of the unique aspects is the atmosphere.
It’s not just about the history; it’s about the serene and peaceful vibes.
It’s easy to reach from JR Nagano Station, either by a short bus ride or a pleasant walk.
Make sure to explore the nearby gardens and soak in the spiritual energy of this timeless place.
4) Togakushi Shrine
Togakushi Shrine is nestled in the mountains of Nagano.
It’s a collection of five shrines, each with its unique charm.
You can explore them all through scenic trails and roads.
The main trail connects the lower shrine, Togakushi Hokosha, to the upper shrine, Togakushi Okusha.
It is about 5.5 kilometres long and takes 2.5 to 3 hours to hike.
Visitors often start at the lower shrine, where a long flight of stairs leads to the praying hall.
As you walk, you pass through beautiful forests and small local shops.
The middle shrine, Togakushi Chusha, is charming and worth a stop.
Remember to bring comfortable shoes and a camera, as the natural beauty along the trail is breathtaking.
It’s a great way to experience history and nature in one hike.
5) Shibu Onsen
Shibu Onsen is a 1,300-year-old hot spring town nestled in the mountains of Nagano.
It’s famous for its nine public bathhouses.
Each is said to have unique healing properties from the minerals in the water.
Shibu Onsen is easily accessible from Tokyo.
The quickest route is the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano Station, followed by a local train to Yudanaka Station.
When visiting, stroll through the charming town streets and soak in the traditional atmosphere.
Don’t miss the stunning views of the Japanese Alps from various spots in town.
A popular attraction nearby is the Jigokudani Monkey Park.
There, you can see wild snow monkeys bathing in hot springs, especially in winter.
6) Karuizawa
Karuizawa is a charming resort town in Nagano, nestled at the foot of Mt. Asama.
You can get there quickly from Tokyo by bullet train.
Nature lovers will adore the hiking trails, beautiful lakes, and scenic waterfalls.
Don’t miss Senga Falls, with its stunning 20-metre cascade.
Karuizawa also has a cultural side.
Visit the Karuizawa Museum of Contemporary Art or explore the town’s historical churches.
The Mampei Hotel, a John Lennon and Yoko Ono favourite, adds a touch of retro charm.
The Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza and Harunire Terrace offer unique finds and local treats if you fancy shopping.
Karuizawa combines natural beauty with cultural richness, making it a must-visit spot in Nagano.
7) Shirakaba Lake
Shirakaba Lake is a beautiful artificial lake in Nagano Prefecture.
It is named after the silver birch trees that grow abundantly around its shores.
These trees have striking white bark, adding to the lake’s charm.
You can take a relaxing walk along the track that circles the lake.
There’s an amusement park at one end for a bit more excitement.
You can hire rowboats, swan boats, and kayaks.
They offer a peaceful way to enjoy the water and stunning views of the mountains.
If you’re looking for family-friendly accommodation, check out the Ike-no-taira hotel.
It boasts Nagano’s largest outdoor onsen bath, perfect for unwinding after exploring.
8) Takase Valley
Takase Valley is one of Nagano’s hidden gems.
Known for its beautiful scenery, it’s particularly stunning in autumn when the leaves change colour.
You’ll enjoy breathtaking views and peaceful surroundings.
The valley also has several dams, like the Takase Dam, which adds to the scenic beauty.
The river flowing through the valley provides a lovely atmosphere.
Wildlife is abundant here.
You might spot monkeys and other animals roaming around.
It’s an excellent spot for nature lovers and photographers.
9) Shiga Kogen
Shiga Kogen is a must-visit spot in Nagano.
It’s known for being Japan’s highest ski area, with 18 resorts and nearly 50 lifts.
You’ll find over 80 kilometres of trails weaving through the resorts.
Shiga Kogen isn’t just for winter sports.
It’s also part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offering beautiful landscapes and diverse wildlife.
You can explore mountain trails and enjoy stunning views.
The area is about an hour’s drive from Nagano City.
If you’re coming from Tokyo, it’s around five hours.
You can even check out nearby attractions like the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park.
10) Norikura Plateau
If you love nature, the Norikura Plateau is a fantastic spot.
The Northern Alps surround this location and offer incredible views.
You can enjoy the area year-round.
In the summer, there’s fresh greenery; in the autumn, colourful leaves; and in the winter, snow.
There are hot springs here, like the “Amine-no-yu” Azumi-Norikura hot spring.
Imagine soaking in a warm bath while looking at the beautiful mountains.
If you’re into hiking, Norikura Plateau has some great trails.
There are also waterfalls and flower meadows that add to the beauty of the place.
You can easily spend a whole day exploring.
