Regulars to Hidden gems! The 10 Most popular must-go Sightseeing spots in Nagano!

Nagano prefecture holds beautiful nature and historical sightseeing spots. The region surrounded by mountains surprises you with extraordinary sceneries you cannot see in the other prefectures. Let’s walk through the 10 must-visit sightseeing spots in Nagano. Why don’t you visit Nagano to experience mysterious nature?

Full of viewpoints! Start Nagano tour with [Matsumoto Castle]

You cannot miss out Matsumoto Castle among sightseeing spots in Nagano prefecture. You can enjoy it by walking around the wide yard, learning about its history, feeling fresh air. Viewing beautiful mountains over the castle must purify you.

Matsumoto Castle, designated as the national treasure, is the oldest existing castle with a 5 tiered and 6 stories keep. Tenshukaku, the main building, attracts you with its vivid color contrast of black and white. Standing there to think about the Sengoku period may bring you some romantic feelings. The castle town preserved the old townscape is interesting to walk around.

Beautiful Lake in Nagano prefecture. Must-visit Sightseeing spot [Lake Suwa]

Kamisuwa station in Nagano prefecture. A short drive from the station takes you to “Lake Suwa”. It is a must-visit sightseeing spot where you can feel nature of Nagano fully. Rich nature will welcome you here.

It is said that the popular animation film “Your Name” set here. Worth visiting here to feel charms of Lake Suwa!

Fascinating Sightseeing spot in Nagano, “Karuizawa Shiraito Falls”

You cannot take your eyes off its beauty of falls like white thin threads coming down at “Shiraito Falls”. There are several “Shiraito Falls” in Japan, and it is called “Karuizawa Shiraito Falls” in Nagano. It is a beautiful and wide falls with 3 meter height and 70 meter width.

It was registered as “Japan Night Scenery Heritage” in 2015. In summer, projection mapping event takes place here. Parking is available 3 minutes walk from the falls. You can refresh yourself deeply in a natural environment around the falls. This is definitely the must-visit spot in Nagano.

Amusement spot in Nagano prefecture! Enjoy a whole day at [Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort]

Nagano is one of the famous spot for skiing. Especially, “Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort” is a very famous sightseeing spot, where you can enjoy skiing, camping, walking, skywalking by lift, and also the hot spring at a large hot spring facility “Sparina”. You can also enjoy original dishes cooked with locally produced ingredients in the restaurant!

Combination of skiing and bathing must be perfect to relieve fatigue. This is an amazing sightseeing spot where you can experience a variety of activities at one facility.

Appreciate Lovely Japanese Monkeys at Sightseeing spot in Nagano, [Jigokudani Monkey Park]

Have you ever seen the picture or movie of the Japanese Monkeys bathing in a hot spring? The scenery can be seen only here in the world! Its unusual and unique view has been introduced in the American magazine.

Recently, many people have posted the scenery on Instagram. You can actually enjoy its photogenic view just in front of you! It is a culturally valuable site where you can learn about lives of the Japanese Monkeys loved by the world. Must experience its value.

Enjoy Romantic Starry Sky at [Utsukushigahara Highlands]

You cannot rarely view the world of the unlimited starry sky in everyday lives especially in the busy city areas like Tokyo. However, in “Utsukushigahara Highlands”, you actually can see the sky full of stars at night.

There is no obstacles around this highlands, which allows you to see the far end of the scenery. It is the very breathtaking view. Just lie down on the ground thinking nothing! Feel significant nature and recharge yourself.

Enjoy the Views of Each Season at [Takato Joshi Koen]

This park is situated the place where Takato Castle was, which is one of the famous spot of cherry blossoms. It holds about 1,500 cherry blossom trees, which does bring the outstanding view. Walking among the pale-pink scenery with someone special is one of true pleasure in the spring-time “Takato Joshi Koen”. Each season shows its different view, red carpet with colored leaves in autumn, snow view in winter, fresh green in summer.

There are buildings registered as tangible cultural properties such as Takato-kaku and Tonya gate, which amuses history lovers. A variety of seasonal events are held in spring, Sakura Festival, in autumn, Momiji Festival, as such.

The Landmark of Kamikochi, Nagano prefecture, [Kappa Bridge]

“Kappa Bridge” is a very famous sightseeing spot, which can be said to be the symbol of Kamikochi, Nagano. Nobody knows the actual reason why it came to be called Kappa Bridge. The view from the bridge over the beautiful mountains attracts you instantly. It is the perfect spot for taking photos, hiking, walking, trekking and those activities.

There is full of tourists especially in summer with fresh green leaves and in autumn with colored leaves. Great and vast nature of Kamikochi, Nagano welcomes you. Worth visiting!

Appreciate its Atmosphere and History at [Togakushi Shrine]

“Togakushi Shrine” has a long history as a monastery in the Heian period. It has been survived over the Edo and Meiji period. The crest of Togakushi Shrine is called “Kama Manji”, which looks like the shape of throwing-knife. This was designed with the motif of a sickle for farm work, which can be stylish somehow.

Moreover, it is surrounded by more than 400-year-old cedars, which is extraordinary. Why don’t you walk around its cool atmosphere?

Holiday villas area! Many Non-Japanese residents used to spend holidays here at [Kyu-Karuizawa]

In Japan, Karuizawa is known as a resort area. “Kyu-Karuizawa” use to be popular among non-Japanese people to spend their holidays. That is why it still has a British atmosphere.

Around this spot, there are various buildings such as a shrine, the Karuizawa’s first holiday villa of the non-Japanese, a number of churches, where you can feel Japanese history somehow. You can enjoy shopping and having a meal. You can fully experience its unique atmosphere by both day trip and staying. Must visit here!

Travel around sightseeing spots in Nagano!

Here is the 10 must-visit sightseeing spots in Nagano prefecture. Each spot has the features of Nagano. Nagano has more places to visit and also a plenty of amazing local gourmet. Go visit Nagano to explore! You won’t regret!