Nagano Prefecture is located in the center of Japan. Hakuba snows in the winter and becomes a ski resort. Karuizawa is a vacation home area. There are famous castles and temples. Local cuisine is famous for soba and oyaki. I went on a trip the other day and was surprised. There are many foreign tourists. The reason is that it is located right in the middle of Tokyo and Osaka, making it easy to get to both.There is the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo.From Osaka, take the Shinkansen to Nagoya and transfer to the limited express train.
1．Take a walk in the Castle Ruins Park!
Matsumoto Castle
It is the oldest six-story castle in Japan. The castle,which is a national treasure,was impressive and wonderful!!
Ueda Castle Ruins
Ueda Castle Ruins is a large park. Historically, Ueda Castle is famous. There are stone walls, turrrets, etc.Wi-Fi is available near Sanada Shrine.
kaikoen
The Komoro Castle ruins have been turned into a park. Adult 500 yen.There are stone walls and shrines, so let’s take a walk.There was a castle tower at the site of this shrine.
2. Visit a Power Spot!
Zenkoji Temple
This is a non-religious independent temple located in Nagano City.
Anrakuji Temple
The three-story pagoda in the temple grounds is a national treasure.
Jorakuji Temple
This is a thatched roof temple built in 830.There is a 350 year old pine tree next to the temple.
Suwa Taisya Shrine
This is the main shrine of the 25,000 Suwa Shrines nationwide.
3. See the Natural Beautiful of the Area !
Shiraito Falls
This is located in Karuizawa.The water from the Mt.Fuji springs up in the same way,and you can see waterfalls.
Iwatake Mountain Rezort
This is a place where you can enjoy activity facilities and mountain views at the top of Mt. Iwatake.The gondola costs 2,400 yen round trip, but you can see the best scenery. In winter, it becomes a ski resort.
4. Walking Through the Post Town!
Tsumago-juku
It is a post town with an atmosphere of the Edo period. It was introduced on the BBC broadcast in the UK.
You can eat Japanese food at the restaurant ”Fujioto”.There is an English menu.
Miso-flavored rice cake and river fish. It’s simple and delicious.
Narai-juku
There you will travel back in time to the Edo period.
5. View the Art！
Rokuzan Art Museum
Rokuzan Ogiwara is a sculpture artist. Admission fee: 900 yen.
Fomer Kaichi School
This Western-style building was built by a Japanese carpenter.It has a high degree of originality.It is currently under construction.You can see it in the fall of 2024.
6. Go to a Place with Brautiful Water!
Daio Wasabi Farm
There are restaurants and souvenir shops in the park. Wasabi can only grow where the river water is clean.
Do you understand wasabi?It’s the green food next to the sashimi.
There is plenty of water in the park.You can ride the boat without a reservation.
7. Eat a Local Food!
Soba
Shinshu soba is a specialty of Nagano.It is thin and chewy and easy to eat.
Oyaki
Oyaki is a dish made by stuffing vegetables into a wheat flour dough and baking it.
8. Take a Bath in a Hot Spring!
Hakuba Onsen
Hakuba Onsen will make your skin beautiful. Hakuba has wonderful scenery.
Bessho Onsen
This is an old hot spring in Nagano.There are few tourist so this area is a hidden gem.
