Nagano

Nagano, Matsumoto, Karuizawa

Nagano is a mountain paradise surrounded by the Japanese Alps. Historic sites like Matsumoto Castle and Zenkoji Temple reflect the region’s deep heritage, while Kamikochi and Hakuba offer world-class hiking and skiing. Soak in hot springs at Nozawa Onsen and enjoy local soba noodles. Nagano is the perfect year-round outdoor destination.

From Tokyo: Shinkansen 1h 30m

From Osaka: Local train 4h 30m

From Nagoya: Local train 3h

Suggested Itineraries

Discover the best routes with our visual guides.

Itinerary

Toyama
Nagano

From Nagano to Toyama via the Alpine Route

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Explore by City

Discover hidden charms in each city and town through our visual map.

Nagano

Karuizawa Town

Japan's premier international mountain resort, famous for its elegant atmosphere, cool summer climate, and high-end lifestyle. Known as a beloved retreat for artists, writers, and international celebrities, the town offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and sophisticated culture. Visitors can enjoy exploring fashionable boutiques in Kyu-Karuizawa, relaxing in forest cafes, or visiting modern art museums. With its beautiful forests, historic churches, and world-class luxury hotels, Karuizawa provides an unmatched resort experience for discerning travelers.

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Nagano

Ina City

A vibrant city nestled between the Central and Southern Alps, offering grand landscapes and rich agricultural heritage. It is known as the home of "Takato Soba" and various local delicacies. The city provides numerous outdoor activities, from trekking in high-altitude meadows to cycling through picturesque rural valleys. With its combination of historic sites, farm-to-table dining, and majestic mountain views, Ina offers a peaceful yet active escape into the authentic heart of Nagano’s natural beauty.

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Nagano

Achi Village

Famous as the place with the "Most Beautiful Starry Sky in Japan," this village offers an unforgettable night experience at an altitude of 1,400 meters. Visitors can take a night gondola to watch the Milky Way and countless stars in the pure, unpolluted mountain air. In spring, the village is covered in stunning peach blossoms, turning the landscape into a colorful paradise. It is a premier destination for romance and healing, where nature’s celestial beauty creates memories that last a lifetime.

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Iida City

A historic city in Southern Nagano known as the "Little Kyoto of Shinshu," featuring elegant streets and a rich tradition of puppet theater. The city is the gateway to the Central and Southern Alps and is famous for its high-quality apples and traditional "Mizuhiki" paper cord crafts. Visitors can enjoy exploring old samurai districts, visiting local sake breweries, and experiencing the warm hospitality of a mountain city that beautifully preserves its cultural heritage alongside its natural splendor.

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Hakuba Village

A world-class mountain resort destination at the foot of the majestic Northern Alps. Famous for hosting events during the 1998 Winter Olympics, it offers legendary powder snow and diverse ski terrain. In the green season, it transforms into a hub for hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding. With its international atmosphere, variety of outdoor activities, and stunning alpine scenery, it attracts nature lovers and adventure seekers from all over the world throughout the year.

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Nagano

Suwa City

A historic city located in central Nagano, thriving around the beautiful Lake Suwa. It is famous for its high concentration of sake breweries along the old highway and its deep-rooted festival culture, most notably the legendary Onbashira Festival. The city offers a unique blend of nature, spiritual traditions, and industrial heritage, including precision machinery museums. Visitors can enjoy lakeside walks, relaxing hot springs, and exploring the charming streets filled with Japanese history and local craftsmanship.

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Azumino City

A picturesque rural area famous for its pure alpine spring water and the stunning scenery of the Northern Alps. It is known as the home of Japan’s largest wasabi farm, where visitors can enjoy the greenery and clear streams. The city is also a hub for art lovers, featuring numerous museums and galleries scattered throughout its peaceful countryside. With its combination of fresh agricultural products, creative atmosphere, and majestic mountain backdrops, it offers a serene and refreshing escape for the soul.

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Matsumoto City

A vibrant cultural city located at the foot of the Northern Alps, best known for its iconic National Treasure castle. The city offers a unique blend of historic samurai heritage and a modern art scene, being the birthplace of the world-famous artist Yayoi Kusama. Visitors can enjoy exploring the quaint Nakamachi Street with its traditional storehouses or the lively vibe of Nawate Street. It is a perfect base for exploring the mountains while enjoying urban sophisticated culture and local crafts.

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Nagano

Obuse Town

A delightful small town famous for its chestnuts and its deep connection to the world-renowned artist Katsushika Hokusai. The town is beautifully maintained with traditional white-walled buildings and streets paved with chestnut wood. Visitors can visit the Hokusai Museum to see original masterpieces or enjoy various chestnut-themed sweets and local sake. With its "Open Garden" project where residents share their private gardens, Obuse offers a warm, welcoming, and artistic atmosphere.

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Nagano

Nagano City

The prefectural capital of Nagano, deeply rooted in history as the temple town of the majestic Zenko-ji Temple. It successfully blended its ancient heritage with modern infrastructure when it hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics. Visitors can enjoy exploring traditional pilgrimage streets, historic samurai districts in Matsushiro, and vibrant local food scenes. It serves as a perfect cultural hub, offering a harmonious experience of spiritual tradition and warm Japanese hospitality.

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Nagano

Nagano Prefecture

Located in the heart of Japan, Nagano is a mountainous prefecture often called the "Roof of Japan," featuring peaks soaring over 3,000 meters. Globally recognized as the host of the 1998 Winter Olympics, it offers world-class powder snow in winter and breathtaking alpine trekking in summer. From historic treasures like the National Treasure Matsumoto Castle and Zenko-ji Temple to the famous snow monkeys of Jigokudani, it is a region where rich culture and majestic nature coexist in perfect harmony.

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