Top 10 Popular Tourist Spots In Nagano Prefecture [Definitive Edition]

16. April 2025

Nagano Prefecture is full of attractions such as the great nature of the Japanese Alps, hot springs, historic towns, and delicious food!

We have carefully selected classic tourist spots that are full of seasonal charms that can be enjoyed by beginners and repeat visitors alike.

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1. Kamikochi

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A beautiful valley in the Northern Alps.
A mecca for mountain climbing and hiking where you can enjoy spectacular natural scenery such as Kappa Bridge and Taisho Pond.

- Access
About 90 minutes by bus from Matsumoto Station

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2. Matsumoto Castle

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A national treasure castle with a five-story, six-story castle tower that still stands.
It is also beautiful when lit up at night and during cherry blossom season.

- Access
About 15 minutes on foot from Matsumoto Station

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3. Zenkoji Temple

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A famous temple with such a long history that it is said that you should visit Zenkoji Temple at least once in your lifetime.
You can also enjoy eating your way along the approach to the temple.

- Access
About 15 minutes walk from Nagano Station

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4. Karuizawa

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The epitome of a summer resort.

You can enjoy a variety of things, including shopping, visiting art museums, gourmet food, and nature walks.

- Access
You can walk or rent a bicycle from Karuizawa Station

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5. Jigokudani Monkey Park

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A world-famous spot where you can see wild Japanese macaques bathing in hot springs in the snowy scenery.

- Access
About 15 minutes by bus from Yudanaka Station + 30 minutes on foot

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6. Togakushi Shrine

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One of Nagano's most powerful spots.
The cedar trees along the approach to the inner shrine are impressive, and Togakushi soba is also a specialty.

- Access
About 50 minutes by bus from Nagano Station

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7. Utsukushigahara Highland Museum

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A museum in the sky at an altitude of 2000m.
You can enjoy the collaboration of modern art and nature.

- Access
About an hour and a half by car from Matsumoto Station

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8. Suwa Taisha Shrine & Lake Suwa

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One of the oldest shrines in Japan.
Famous for its fireworks festival and winter Omiwatari.

- Access
Within walking distance from Kami-Suwa Station

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9. Hakuba Area

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Famous as a ski resort.
In the green season, you can enjoy mountain climbing and other activities.

- Access
Around Hakuba Station

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10. Bessho Onsen

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The oldest hot spring area in Shinshu.
You can relax at Kitamuki Kannon and the retro hot spring town.

- Access
About 30 minutes by Bessho Line from Ueda Station

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[Summary]

Nagano Prefecture's classic spots offer a good balance of overwhelming natural beauty, history, hot springs, and gourmet food.
The charm of Shinshu is that you can encounter different charms every time you visit in each season.
On your next trip, be sure to heal your mind and body in Nagano Prefecture!

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