Nagano
-
Zenkoji Temple
Non-sectarian temple with approximately 1,400 years of history, with a national treasure main hall. Since the Edo period, it has been said 'Visit Zenkoji at least once in a lifetime,' and currently over 7 million people visit annually. Famous for the pitch-dark corridor Okaidan Meguri and the once-every-seven-years Gokaicho.
Address: 491 Motoyoshi-cho, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture
Access: About 10 minutes by local bus from Nagano Station, about 15 minutes on foot
Transportation: Walking recommended early morning and late night when bus service is limited
-
Matsumoto Castle
Known as Karasu-jo (Crow Castle) for its five-story, six-floor keep covered in black lacquer, this national treasure preserves its late Warring States period appearance. The view with the Northern Alps as backdrop is a must-see. Various seasonal events include spring night cherry blossom illumination and winter ice sculpture festival.
Address: 4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture
Access: About 1 hour 40 minutes from Nagano Station via Limited Express Shinano plus walking
Transportation: 15-minute walk from Matsumoto Station
-
Kamikochi
Mountain scenic area at approximately 1,500m elevation along the Azusa River. The Hotaka mountain range and Mount Yake viewed from Kappa Bridge are among Japan's finest scenery, with well-maintained walking paths allowing even beginners to enjoy highland strolling.
Address: Azumi-Kamikochi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture
Access: About 3 hours by bus from Nagano Station via Matsumoto
Transportation: Due to private car restrictions, use shuttle bus from Sawando or Hirayu
-
Jigokudani Yaen-koen (Snow Monkey Park)
Unique park where wild Japanese macaques bathing in hot springs can be observed, the only place in the world. In winter, the sight of monkeys relaxing in hot springs amid snowy scenery draws particular popularity.
Address: 6845 Hirao, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano Prefecture
Access: About 1 hour 10 minutes from Nagano Station by Nagaden bus plus walking
Transportation: Walking path freezes in winter, anti-slip gear essential
-
Suwa Taisha
Head shrine of over 10,000 Suwa shrines nationwide, consisting of four shrines in upper and lower shrines. The Onbashira Festival held every seven counted years is known for its brave spectacle of dragging giant logs down from mountains.
Address: 1 Miyayama, Chushu, Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture
Access: About 1 hour 20 minutes from Nagano Station by limited express plus bus
Transportation: Upper shrine Honmiya is 25 minutes by bus from Chino Station
Model Courses
-
Matsumoto & Kamikochi Full 1-Day Plan
Efficient model course visiting national treasure Matsumoto Castle and Kamikochi's magnificent nature in one day. Greedy plan combining Matsumoto city eating tour and Kamikochi hiking.
- Less crowded right after opening, excellent view from keep
- Lunch around Kappa Bridge, round-trip hike to Myojin Pond