Shinshu soba信州そば
Buckwheat noodles from the cool highlands, eaten cold with dipping sauce; Togakushi is a well-known soba area.
Chubu
Nagano Travel Guide
Local tips, regional food and places off the tourist trail
A large mountain prefecture in the Japan Alps. Highlights include Matsumoto Castle, Zenkoji temple in Nagano City, the snow monkeys at Jigokudani, and Hakuba’s ski slopes.
Open Nagano on the map40 places on the map · 8 local favourites
Local tips
- TipDistances are big: Karuizawa and Nagano City are on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, while Matsumoto is reached via limited express trains.
- TipPrivate cars can’t drive into Kamikochi; take a bus or taxi in, and note it closes in winter.
- DoSee the snow monkeys at Jigokudani in winter, when they soak in the hot spring surrounded by snow.
- DoWalk the old Nakasendo trail between Tsumago and Magome in the Kiso Valley (Magome is just over the Gifu border).
- TipFor a relaxed half day, visit Obuse near Nagano City, known for chestnut sweets and Hokusai.
What to eat
Oyakiおやき
Grilled or steamed dumplings filled with vegetables such as nozawana greens, pumpkin or eggplant.
Sanzokuyaki山賊焼
A whole chicken thigh marinated in garlic and soy, then deep-fried — a Matsumoto area favourite.
Local favourites
Places mostly visited by people who live here — quieter, and often the highlight of a trip.
Gondo, Nagano City
権堂 NightlifeNagano City's old entertainment district beside Zenkoji, with a covered arcade and side streets full of small izakaya and bars.
● Mostly localsKiso-Fukushima Checkpoint
福島関所跡 Sights & HistoryReconstructed checkpoint where Edo-era officials inspected travellers on the Nakasendo. Kiso-Fukushima's old streets and Ue-no-dan area are just below.
● Mostly localsKanten Papa Garden
かんてんぱぱガーデン Local FoodAgar jelly maker's garden campus in Ina with a shop, café, art gallery and woodland paths. A calm, very local stop in the Ina Valley.
● Mostly localsAnrakuji Temple, Bessho
安楽寺 Temples & GoshuinchoZen temple in Bessho Onsen with a rare octagonal pagoda, a National Treasure, standing in a cedar grove. The town is called the 'Kamakura of Shinshu' for its temples.
● Mostly localsOgawa no Sho Oyaki Village
小川の庄 おやき村 Local FoodExperiencesHillside village in Ogawa where grandmothers bake oyaki, stuffed dumplings, in a traditional hearth. Their 'grilled-then-steamed' oyaki are a local favourite.
● Mostly localsSanada Residence, Matsushiro
真田邸 Sights & HistoryVilla of the Sanada lords in the quiet castle town of Matsushiro, with tatami rooms and a pond garden. Combine with the castle ruins and old samurai houses nearby.
● Mostly localsBessho Onsen
別所温泉 Hot SpringsQuiet hot-spring town in the hills near Ueda, surrounded by old temples. The public bath Ōyu and its gentle waters are a local favourite.
● Mostly localsUnno-juku
海野宿 Sights & HistoryOld post town on the Hokkoku Kaido in Tomi, with big latticed inns and silkworm farmhouses beside a stream. Much less visited than the Kiso post towns.
● Mostly localsThe famous sights
The places most visitors come for. Worth it — just go early.
Jigokudani Monkey Park
地獄谷野猿公苑 Nature & SceneryThe famous snow monkeys bathing in a hot spring, reached by a forest walk of about 30 minutes. Magical in winter.
Matsumoto Castle
松本城 Sights & HistoryJapan's oldest surviving five-storey castle keep, black and elegant against the Alps. Climb the steep steps inside.
Kamikochi
上高地 Nature & SceneryAlpine valley in the Northern Alps with clear river water, the Kappa Bridge and walking trails. Private cars are banned, so arrive by bus.
Zenkoji Temple
善光寺 Temples & GoshuinchoSights & HistoryOne of Japan's most important temples, open to all sects. Go down to the pitch-black tunnel under the altar to find the 'key to paradise'.
Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza
旧軽井沢銀座通り ShoppingKaruizawa's main shopping street in the old town, lined with jam shops, bakeries and cafés. Busy with Tokyo visitors in summer.
Hakuba Happo-one
白馬八方尾根 ExperiencesNature & ScenerySki resort that hosted Olympic events, now popular with international skiers. Summer hiking to Happo Pond.
Daio Wasabi Farm
大王わさび農場 Nature & SceneryLocal FoodHuge wasabi farm in Azumino fed by crystal-clear spring water, with old water wheels on the river. Try wasabi ice cream and fresh-grated wasabi on rice.
Togakushi Shrine Okusha
戸隠神社 奥社 Temples & GoshuinchoNature & SceneryMountain shrine reached by a long avenue of giant cedars. A sacred and moody walk.