Nagano Hidden Gems
The roof of Japan — alpine ranges, post towns on the old Nakasendo highway, and the country's oldest wooden temple architecture.
6 spots
Climate & Best Season
Cool highland summers and cold, snowy winters; a 1998 Winter Olympics host. Hiking July–October, skiing December–March.
Famous For (Food)
- Shinshu soba
- Oyaki
- Wasabi
- Miso
Signature Sights
- Kamikochi valley
- Zenkoji temple
- Tsumago & Narai post towns
- Jigokudani snow monkeys
Daio Wasabi Farm — Japan's Largest Wasabi Fields
Daio Wasabi Farm (大王わさび農場) is Japan's largest wasabi cultivation facility, covering 15 hectares of terraced fields fed b…
Shinshu Soba — Nagano's Buckwheat Noodle Tradition
Nagano Prefecture (historically called Shinano or Shinshu) is Japan's premier soba-producing region, thanks to its high…
Obuse Chestnut Sweets — 200-Year Confectionery Heritage
Obuse grows chestnuts the way Napa grows grapes — with obsessive attention to terroir, varietal selection, and centuries…
Shinshu Apples — Orchard-Fresh Fruit Capital
Nagano Prefecture is Japan's second-largest apple producer (after Aomori), with the Nagano Basin's climate and volcanic…
Nagano Wine Country — Cool-Climate Viticulture
Nagano Prefecture has emerged as one of Japan's premier wine regions, with its high elevation (600–900m), volcanic soil,…
Nagano Oyaki — Steamed Mountain Dumplings
Oyaki (おやき) are Nagano's traditional steamed dumplings made from buckwheat or wheat dough filled with local vegetables,…