Azumino is a well-known tourist city in Japan, located in the central-western part of Nagano Prefecture. It is famed for its picturesque scenery that changes beautifully with the seasons and the towering peaks of the Northern Japanese Alps. As an iconic destination in Japan, it attracts visitors with its traditional folk-style architecture and the numerous art museums and galleries scattered throughout the area. It is a...
Karuizawa refers to a plateau area at the border of Gunma and Nagano prefectures, about 1,000 meters above sea level. It enjoys a cool climate year-round and is a historic resort villa destination in Japan, as well as one of the country’s top summer retreats, with an average annual temperature about 10 degrees lower than Tokyo. During the Edo period, Karuizawa was merely a post station along the Nakasendō highway, its…
Mount Yatsugatake refers to a volcanic mountain range stretching between Yamanashi and Nagano prefectures on the western side of Japan's Kanto region. With its highest peak reaching an elevation of 2,899 meters, it is one of Japan’s famous tourist destinations. The range consists of eight main peaks, including the highest, Mount Akadake, as well as Mount Chūō, Mount Iō, Mount Amida, and Mount Yoko—hence the name “Yatsugatake,” meaning “Eight Peaks.” Mount Yatsugatake is one of Japan’s …
Shirakaba Lake is located at the western foot of Mount Yatsugatake in the northern part of Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. It is an artificial lake with a surface elevation of 1,416 meters and a maximum depth of 9 meters, and falls under the management of the Yatsugatake-Chūshin Kōgen Quasi-National Park. The lake has a circumference of 6 kilometers and covers an area of approximately 35 hectares. It is surrounded by beautiful birch trees, which is how it got its name. Shirakaba Lake is one of the…
The Kiso Mountain Range is a north-south mountain range that stretches across the western part of Nagano Prefecture and the southeastern part of Gifu Prefecture on Japan’s Honshu Island. Commonly known as the Central Alps, it forms part of the Japanese Alps along with the Hida Mountain Range (Northern Alps) and the Akaishi Mountain Range (Southern Alps). Unlike the Hida and Akaishi ranges, the highest peak of the Kiso Mountains — Mount Kiso-Komagatake — stands at only 2,956 meters, making it relatively easy to climb and allowing for day trips.
Nagano City is located at the confluence of the Chikuma River and the Sai River. Established in 1897, it serves as the capital of Nagano Prefecture. The city lies in the Zenkoji Plain through which the Chikuma River flows, and developed as a bustling market area in front of the Zenkoji Temple. The most famous historic site in Nagano City is the Zenkoji Temple, which was founded in the early 7th century and is a designated…
The Kiso Mountains are a mountain range spanning three Japanese prefectures—Nagano, Yamanashi, and Shizuoka. Its highest peak, Mount Kita, stands at 3,193 meters above sea level, making it Japan’s second-highest peak after Mount Fuji. Together with the Hida Mountains (Northern Alps) and the Kiso Mountains (Central Alps), they form the Japanese Alps, commonly referred to as...
The Nakasendō is the popular name for the old national highway Route 19 that runs from Shiojiri City in Nagano Prefecture through the Kiso Valley to Nagisago City in Gifu Prefecture. It still preserves the appearance of 11 historic post towns and streets dating back to the Edo period, making it a popular destination for travelers seeking to experience Japan’s past and immerse themselves in the country’s ancient history and culture. It is part of the Nakasendō route and developed alongside...
Also known as "Kasaoka Castle," Takayama Castle is an ancient Japanese fortress located on a protruding terrace along the eroded banks of the Minamikawa and Fujisawa rivers in Takayama, Ina City, Nagano Prefecture. It was built in the 16th year of the Tensho era (1547). From the terrace, it appears to be a castle constructed on flat land, but from the other three sides, it sits…
Tenryu Gorge is located at the southern end of the Ina Basin in Nagano Prefecture. It was formed by the Tenryu River eroding the surrounding rocks over many years. The gorge features towering rock formations on both sides—rock azaleas and wild cherry blossoms in spring, lilies in summer, red leaves in autumn, and pristine white snowscapes in winter. With its ever-changing seasonal beauty, it's a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life to enjoy nature’s wonders...
Matsumoto City is a city in the Southern Shinano region of Nagano Prefecture, Japan, with an elevation ranging from 765 meters to 2,899 meters. It is known as a highland city on the "Roof of Japan." The highest city hall in Japan in terms of elevation is located here, and it is also home to Suwa Tokyo University of Science. Matsumoto City boasts well-developed tourism, industry, and agriculture...
Shiojiri City is a city in the Chūō region of Nagano Prefecture, Japan, located at the southern foot of the Northern Alps. Compared to other major cities in the prefecture, it may seem relatively unremarkable and is home to Matsumoto Dental University. When Shiojiri City comes to mind, the first thing that often comes to thought is its vast vineyards. Thanks to its prime location, dry climate, and significant day-night temperature differences, the area is highly suitable for grape cultivation, making the vineyard scenery incredibly charming. It is one of Japan’s primary wine-producing regions, boasting over a century of refined winemaking techniques, and the wines produced here have received international acclaim. In addition to wine and vineyards, visitors can also explore the Hirade Historical Museum, Shiojiri Tanka Hall, Kamai-an, Shiojiri Kosakata Park, Arei Shrine, Yahiko Shrine, Tokuro Shrine, and Mitsutaka Shrine.
Ueda City is the central city of the Kamiko region in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Ueda Castle was built in 1583, and the city was officially established as a municipality in 1919, boasting over 80 years of municipal history. The city is surrounded by three plateaus that showcase distinct seasonal changes, and is traversed by the clear waters of the Chikuma River flowing through its center—making it a region rich in natural beauty…
Komagane City is a city in southern Nagano Prefecture, Japan, established in 1954 and situated in the valleys of the central and southern Japanese Alps. The city's economy is primarily driven by tourism, and it is also home to Nagano University of Health and Welfare. The Silk Museum is located in the eastern part of Komagane City and is a great place to learn about the history of silk development...
Matsumoto is a city in the central part of the Chūshin region of Japan and the central area of Nagano Prefecture. It is the second-largest city in Nagano Prefecture, as well as a Special City and an International Convention and Tourism City. The city developed as a castle town centered around the national treasure, Matsumoto Castle, and boasts a history of over 400 years. Since the Meiji era, it has cultivated a rich cultural heritage...
Iida City is a city located in the southern part of Nagano Prefecture in the Chūbu region of Japan. During the Edo period, it developed as a castle town under the Iida Domain. The city is situated in the central part of the Ina Basin, the southernmost area of Nagano Prefecture, bordered to the northwest by Kiso District adjacent to the Kiso Mountain Range, and to the northeast it connects with three villages including Iijima Town in Kamiiina District and Matsukawa Town in Shimoina District...
Azumino City is located in the central-western part of Nagano Prefecture, Japan. It is a pastoral area stretching across the Matsumoto Basin, renowned for its stunning scenery throughout the four seasons and the towering Northern Alps. The lush green fields and the lingering snow on the Northern Alps create a serene and picturesque landscape. Azumino has long been considered by many as...
Introduction: Nagoya Castle is the symbol of Nagoya and the first stop for many travelers arriving in the city. Built in 1612, the castle is surrounded by expansive parkland, with small tea houses and traditional Japanese gardens nearby. Its most distinctive feature is the pair of golden dolphin ornaments adorning the roof. The castle was burned down during World War II...
Introduction Nagoya Bridge ranks seventh in the world. At night, red, white, and blue lights dress the bridge in a captivating glow. Many tourists view its majestic presence up close from cruise ships. Nagoya, Japan…
Introduction The Currency Museum is affiliated with Tokai Bank and houses a collection of various Japanese currencies from ancient times to the present, as well as some currencies from other countries around the world. The museum also features replicas of coins from Japan’s Edo period. In addition, visitors can admire famous woodblock prints from the Edo era. Nagoya, Japan…