View in spring in Takato Joshi Park in Nagano, Japan

Nagano

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Nagano Prefecture is known all over the world because of the 1998 Winter Olympics that were held here. Nagano boasts prime winter sports locations because of the abundance of mountain ranges and cold winter temperatures. Needless to say, the prefecture is one of Japan’s most popular destinations for skiing and other winter sports. This travel guide will help you decide what to see in Nagano!

The snow monkeys are another highlight here because the sight of Japanese macaques enjoying the hot springs never fails to impress. Hiking is another popular activity in Nagano, and during off-season many head to the prefecture to enjoy lower temperatures and abundant nature. It may not be a coincidence that Japan’s highest life expectancies are in Nagano with such a healthy climate.

  • Takato Joshi Park | Nagano Travel Guide

    Takato Joshi Park | Nagano Travel Guide

    One of the most impressive cherry blossom spots in Nagano is the Takato Joshi Park. See our beautiful pictures taken this spring.

  • Hakuba Travel Guide | Nagano

    Hakuba Travel Guide | Nagano

    Hakuba in Nagano is one of Japan’s ski areas with several large ski resorts to choose from. The magnificent views and snow conditions make it very popular.

  • Matsumoto Travel Guide | Nagano

    Matsumoto Travel Guide | Nagano

    Matsumoto is centrally located in Nagano and is surrounded by the Japan Alps mountains. The city is especially famous for Matsumoto Castle, which is one of Japan’s original historic castles.

  • Kamikochi Travel Guide | Nagano

    Kamikochi Travel Guide | Nagano

    Kamikochi is a remote mountainous highland in the northern part of the Japanese Alps, which has been preserved in its natural state. Hikers will love the great outdoors feeling they will get here.

  • Karuizawa Travel Guide | Nagano

    Karuizawa Travel Guide | Nagano

    Karuizawa has thrived as a very popular summer resort in Japan since the late 19th century because of its cool and comfy summer climate. This attractive town is a good stop on your way to the Nagano mountains.

  • Suwa Travel Guide | Nagano

    Suwa Travel Guide | Nagano

    Outdoor activities, natural hot springs, and Japanese-style inns are what attract tourists to Suwa. The lake town is located in Nagano, and perfect as a base for day trips in Nagano prefecture.

  • Nagano City Travel Guide

    Nagano City Travel Guide

    Nagano city is a good place to stay as a base for making day trips in the area with its good bus and train connections. What is there to do in the city itself?

  • Shiga Kogen Travel Guide | Nagano

    Shiga Kogen Travel Guide | Nagano

    The Shiga Kogen Highlands were formed by volcanic activity and have a mountainous landscape. It stands as one of the world’s largest winter resorts and was home to many of the events of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics.

  • Yudanaka Snow Monkeys Travel Guide | Nagano

    Yudanaka Snow Monkeys Travel Guide | Nagano

    Yudanaka, rich in natural hot springs, is located deep in the mountains of the Yamanouchi area in Nagano. Some 200 monkeys live in this area. Watching them bathe just like humans do is fun!

  • Yatsugatake | Nagano Travel Guide

    Yatsugatake | Nagano Travel Guide

    Yatsugatake is a mountain range in central Japan where you can enjoy trekking, skiing, and mountain biking. Learn more about this natural paradise in Nagano!