Location: Nagano Prefecture
Top Things to do in Nagano Prefecture
Top Hotels in Nagano Prefecture
Countries
10 Things to do in Nagano Prefecture That You Shouldn't Miss
Nagano Prefecture (長野県, Nagano-ken) is a landlocked prefecture of Japan located in the Chūbu region on the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Nagano. Due to the abundance of mountain ranges in this area, the land available for inhabitance is relatively limited.
Restaurants in Nagano Prefecture
1. Matsumoto Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,584 reviews
Reviewed By phale12017
When l was told we were visiting a a castle, grey blocks of stone came to mind( l clearly wasn’t thinking logically) I was amazed to see this massive, towering wooden structure before me! Yes Japanese castles are made from wood. They have moats and tiny narrow windows for firing weapons out of and other familiar features but l have to say they are quite different from the English versions. They have a hidden extra floor that you cannot see from outside, this is just one unfamiliar feature! We were put into groups of 5 or less and shown round by retirees who were practicing their English, what a wonderful idea! Our guide was very amusing!! A word of warning, there are lots of steps inside, some of them steep! But make the effort, it’s well worth it!!
2. Hakuba
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 300 reviews
Reviewed By PurdueBen500 - Sydney, Australia
Lots of great places to ski/board & very helpful staff many of which speak some English. Spectacular views across the mountains.
3. Zenko-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,931 reviews
Reviewed By hfot2 - Vermont, United States
We have visited Zenko-ji on three different sakura trips and each time the blossoms did not disappoint. The weeping tree on the side of the main hall is spectacular when in full bloom - not to be missed. Bridal shoots occur throughout the temple compound in this season, but especially at this tree. The grounds are lovely throughout. Don’t miss the trees behind the main hall and the many stone lanterns there and elsewhere. There are several small gardens with more flowering trees. If you stand near the photogenic bell tower long enough, you will be there when the ringer arrives, bows to the bell and using the beam suspended on ropes strikes the bell which resonates for a very long time. Statues abound, especially the seven Jizo Bodhisattva at the Sanmon Gate. Many side buildings are more peaceful and less crowded than the main hall area and they too contain statues, bells and lanterns. If you walk behind the main hall and up a bit you arrive at the pagoda which contains the Zenkoji History Museum. It can take several hours to walk around, view, and photograph all that is here. Take your time to enjoy the whole temple compound. There is a city bus that runs to the temple from the station, or you can walk up the hill to the temple from the station - it takes about 30 minutes. The road immediately in front of the gate is full of shops selling souvenirs, religious items, and food. Good soft ice cream can be had here. The streets running parallel to this one are very interesting and worth a stroll. Even if the cherry trees are not a peak, and even if it is not sakura season at all, Zenko-ji is definitely worth a visit.
4. Hakuba Happoone Ski Resort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 842 reviews
Reviewed By katmarks - Adelaide, Australia
Definitely a great mountain with loads of terrain, even on the weekends when it's busy there is space to spread out. The newly opened restaurant at the top of Kitaone lift is worth a visit, it was delicious.
5. Stone Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 491 reviews
Reviewed By Beenster - Yardley, United States
This church is small simple and stunning, I loved its natural beauty with the vines and water flowing. I could have sat there all day
6. Kurumayama Highland
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 327 reviews
Kurumayama-kogen Highland Visit Mount Kurumayama summit where the breathtaking views of Japan’s finest mountains awaits you, from the Yatsugatake Mountains and Mount Fuji to the Southern, Central, and Northern Alps.
7. Utsukushigahara Highlands
8. Shiraito Falls
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 741 reviews
Reviewed By dexter1881 - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
A short walk into the woods from the main town, and you will be greeted with the most intriguing formation of waterfall seeping out from the rocks. According to the local info, the water source had to go through the rocks for about 4 years, and then finally came out as the waterfall. There are a couple of trekking routes nearby the waterfall as well. This place is quite popular amongst the tourists.
9. Daio Wasabi Farm
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 742 reviews
Reviewed By keonann - Vancouver, Canada
Daio Wasabi farm is located just outside Matsumoto. We had a wonderful time strolling through the farm and saw how wasabi plants are grown.There's a wasabi processing room where you can see how the plants are cleaned, cut and processed. After seeing how wasabi is grown, it was time to try some "all things" wasabi, such as ice cream, beer and juice. These treats wasn't over powering unlike the shaved wasabi we had with our soba noodles.
10. Karuizawa prince shopping plaza
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,398 reviews
Reviewed By chiunhow - Singapore, Singapore
200+ shops, covering a huge area. Plenty of international brands. If you intend to visit every shop, be prepared to buffer a few more days. Winter operating hours are short, 10am to 7pm only.
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