Nagano: Natural Treasures and Cultural Heritage
Nagano Prefecture is located in the Chubu region and is surrounded by mountainous areas in the center of Honshu. The Northern, Central and Southern Alps mountain ranges are known as the "Roof of Japan" and are blessed with beautiful natural resources.
It is a great place to enjoy hiking and wildflower observation in the summer and skiing in the winter. In addition, the natural hot springs in the highlands are perfect for relaxation and stress relief all year round.
Snowmelt and glaciers create clear streams, which become lakes and rivers and are tourist attractions. The clear water and rich forests provide clean air and have a positive impact on agriculture, such as the cultivation of wasabi and highland vegetables, rice cultivation in terraced fields, and winter orchards.
In the north of Nagano Prefecture, there is a highland area bordering Toyama Prefecture, and it is dotted with many natural hot springs and ski resorts. Nozawa Onsen and Hakuba Ski Resort are particularly famous. Here you will also find Jigokudani Monkey Park and Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, where wild monkeys bathe in hot springs in the winter.
In the east, there is a plateau area that forms the border with Gunma Prefecture, and Karuizawa Onsen in particular is popular with Japanese tourists. In addition, the cultivation of alpine vegetables is thriving in the Yatsugatake Mountains. Lake Suwa, the largest lake in Nagano Prefecture, spreads out in the center, and hot spring resorts are dotted around it, making for beautiful scenery.
In the west, there are Kamikochi and Norikura Plateau, which border Takayama City, and are home to high mountains and clear streams. In the south, which borders Shizuoka Prefecture, there is the Southern Alps National Park and the Tenryu River Valley, where you can enjoy the beauty of nature in all four seasons.
Nagano City is home to Zenkoji Temple, an important historical heritage site, and Japan's oldest Buddha statue is enshrined. Matsumoto City is home to Matsumoto Castle, Japan's oldest wooden castle, with its beautiful exterior and magnificent cherry blossoms in spring.
Nagano can be accessed from JR Ueno Station in Tokyo by Nagano Shinkansen in about 1 hour. Matsumoto City can be reached in about 1 hour by JR Shinonoi Line. Kamikochi can be accessed from Matsumoto City by express train and bus. Tsumagojuku and Tenryukyo are also easily accessible.
Nagano Prefecture is a tourist destination worth visiting throughout the year, and its beautiful nature and rich cultural heritage attract visitors.
