Top 10 Hidden Tourist Spots In Nagano Prefecture [Secret Gem Edition]

16 aprile 2025

There are many quiet and charming hidden spots in Nagano Prefecture that are not yet known!

We have carefully selected famous spots where you can enjoy nature, history, and hot springs at your leisure.

---

1. Narai-juku

The streetscape of this post town on the Nakasendo road remains as it was at the time.

There are relatively few tourists, so you can stroll around quietly.

- Access
A short walk from Narai Station

-------

2. Ueda Castle

A famous castle built by the Sengoku warlord Sanada Masayuki, known for having defeated the Tokugawa army twice.

Restored turrets, Sanada Shrine, and castle ruins park are maintained, and the cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves are beautiful.

- Access
About a 10-minute walk from Ueda Station

-------

3. Obuse Town

A town associated with Katsushika Hokusai, famous for chestnut sweets.

Although there are tourists, the atmosphere is calmer than the area around Zenkoji Temple.

- Access
Within walking distance from Obuse Station

-------

4. Yudanaka Shibu Onsenkyo

Near the famous Yaen Koen.
A traditional hot spring town where you can enjoy touring the nine public baths.

- Access
A short walk from Yudanaka Station

-------

5. Atera Valley

A hidden spot where you can enjoy emerald green streams and forest bathing.
Recommended as a summer resort.

- Access
Approximately 15 minutes by car from Agematsu Station

-------

6. Takabocchi Plateau

A spectacular spot overlooking Lake Suwa and Mt. Fuji.
Popular for early morning sea of clouds and starry sky photography, but a little-known spot.

- Access
Approximately 40 minutes by car from Shiojiri Station

-------

7. Kirigamine Plateau

Beautiful seasonal flowers such as day lilies in summer and Japanese silver grass in autumn.
Perfect for hiking and driving.

- Access
About 40 minutes by car from Suwa IC

-------

8. Yokotani Gorge/Otome Falls

A waterfall full of negative ions.
There are few tourists, so you can enjoy nature in peace.

- Access
About 20 minutes by car from Chino Station

-------

9. Matsumoto City Museum of Art

A contemporary art museum that exhibits Yayoi Kusama's masterpiece "Maboroshi no Hana".
With a wide variety of exterior designs and photo spots, it is popular with art and architecture lovers.

- Access
About 12 minutes by foot from Matsumoto Station

-------

10. Mt. Ontake

A quiet highland area known for its buckwheat noodles.
A healing spot with Mt. Ontake and beautiful rural scenery.

- Access
About 40 minutes by car from Kiso Fukushima Station

-------

[Summary]

There are many hidden spots in Nagano Prefecture where you can quietly enjoy nature, history, and hot springs away from the hustle and bustle of tourist spots.
On your next trip to Nagano, be sure to explore both the popular spots as well as some hidden gems to experience the deep charm of Shinshu.

Torna al blog