Nagano
Nagano is an inland prefecture of central Honshu (population 2.03 million) ringed by the 3,000-meter peaks of the Northern, Central, and Southern Alps — «the roof of Japan.» Host of the 1998 Winter Olympics, it offers Matsumoto Castle (a National Treasure and one of 12 surviving originals), Takato Castle Park (one of Japan's three great cherry blossom sites), the Azusa River at Kamikochi, the snow monkeys in the hot springs of Jigokudani, Achi Village's «No.1 starry sky in Japan,» and the cedar avenues of Togakushi Shrine — an exceptional density of mountain, historical, and astronomical subjects.
Highlights
- Matsumoto Castle (National Treasure) — distinctive black-lacquered walls, one of Japan's 12 surviving originals, beautiful in every season
- Takato Castle Park — «No.1 cherry blossoms under heaven,» about 1,500 Takato Kohigan trees blooming soft pink in early April
- Kamikochi — Northern Alps with Taisho Pond, Kappa Bridge, and the Azusa River; open from late April to November 15
- Jigokudani Monkey Park — wild macaques bathing in hot springs, world-famous winter compositions of snow and rising steam
- Achi Village's Heavens Sonohara — government-certified as having «Japan's No.1 starry sky»; summer night tours are sacred ground for Milky Way photography
Quick Answers
What is Nagano Prefecture?
An inland prefecture in central Honshu known as «the roof of Japan,» surrounded by the 3,000-meter Japanese Alps. It is exceptionally rich in subjects — Matsumoto Castle, Takato cherry blossoms, Kamikochi, Jigokudani snow monkeys, and Achi Village's premier starry sky.
When are the cherry blossoms at Takato Castle Park?
Early to mid-April. About 1,500 Takato Kohigan cherry trees bloom in soft pink, earning the title «No.1 cherry blossoms under heaven.» Evening illumination is dreamlike; early morning best avoids the crowds.
When is the best time at Jigokudani Monkey Park?
Late December to early March (snow season). Monkeys bathing in hot springs amid snow and steam create the iconic winter image. About 45 minutes by bus from Nagano Station plus a 30-minute walk.
Locations
Matsumoto Castle
5 photos
Takato Castle Park
6 photos
Komatsunagi Cherry Tree
1 photos
Achi Tenku no Rakuen Stargazing
1 photos
Kobo Mountain Tumulus
11 photos
Anyo-ji Temple
6 photos
Niimura, Matsumoto
1 photos
Joyama Park (Matsumoto)
8 photos
Nakamachi Street (Matsumoto)
1 photos
Takashima Park (Suwa)
9 photos
Lake Suwa
37 photos
Tateishi Park
20 photos
