Nagano Prefecture is surrounded by majestic mountain ranges and offers numerous naturally rich tourist spots! Its scale rivals world-class scenery, making it ideal for experiencing extraordinary spaces!
We will introduce some of Nagano Prefecture's most recommended attractions, as recommended by landscape enthusiasts, here are 10 scenic spots!
Asuwa River Valley (阿寺渓谷)
The Asuwa River Valley stretches about 15 kilometers and is one of Nagano Prefecture's most beautiful scenic spots. The clear and emerald-green stream is crystal clear, enchanting, and affectionately called "Asuwa Blue."
Another reason for Asuwa River Valley's popularity is its seasonal charm, showcasing cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, autumn leaves, and more, depending on the time of year. The area is dotted with many impressive sights, such as massive rocks and waterfalls. Fox Kuma and Tanuki Kuma are particularly recommended!
Moreover, the environment here is full of negative ions, perfect for those looking to cleanse their minds!
[Address]
Nagano Prefecture, Kisogun Okuwamura Nojiri Asuwa State-owned Forest
[Transportation]
- By Train
Approximately 5 minutes by car from JR Chuo Main Line Nojiri Station
- By Car
About 40 minutes from Chuo Expressway Nakatsugawa IC
Daisho Pond (大正池)
Daisho Pond is a scenic pond located in the representative scenic spot of Nagano Prefecture, Kamikochi. It has been designated as a national scenic spot and natural monument, with its rich natural environment carefully preserved.
The lake's water is clear, with almost no water flow, so the reflections on the surface are as beautiful as a mirror. The seasonal changes of Mt. Yakedake and the Hotaka Range will surely leave you in awe!
Not only recommended on clear days, but also on misty rainy days. Additionally, there are walking paths here, suitable for even beginners to enjoy a stroll!
[Address]
Nagano Prefecture, Matsumoto City, Kamikochi
[Transportation Guide]
- By Bus
Take an Alpico Transport bus bound for Kamikochi from Shin-Shimashima Station - Walk from Daisho Pond Bus Stop
- By Car
About 50 minutes from Nagano Expressway Matsumoto IC to Sawando
* Use shuttle bus from Sawando
Kiso Ohashi (木曽の大橋)
Kiso Ohashi is an arched bridge that connects the old Nakasendo and Narai-juku. It is one of Japan's largest wooden bridges, constructed from cedar trees over 300 years old, making it quite luxurious. Its uniqueness lies in having no bridge piers.
The wooden structure is 33m long and 6.5m wide, giving a grandiose feeling! You can feel the superb craftsmanship in the details of the bridge, which can be appreciated from afar or up close. Moreover, it blends perfectly with the beautiful clear stream!
In addition, from early April to early November, there is a night light show, creating a unique and dreamy scene at Kiso Ohashi. Recommended for those seeking nostalgic views!
[Address]
Nagano Prefecture, Shiojiri City, Narai
[Transportation]
- By Train
Approximately 5 minutes on foot from JR Chuo Main Line Narai Station
- By Car
About 30 minutes from Nagano Expressway Shiojiri IC
Takabocchi Plateau (高ボッチ高原)
The Takabocchi Plateau has a mysterious legend: "Didara Bochi takes a rest." It is one of Nagano Prefecture's most beautiful scenic spots, overlooking the Japanese Alps and Mount Fuji, recently famous for being used as a scene in an animated movie.
The charm of Takabocchi Plateau lies in its different views during sunrise, sunset, and nighttime. If conditions are right, you might even encounter a sea of clouds, surely to be amazed by the mystical world! The recommended viewing spot is the "Takabocchi Plateau 3 Major Elevation Viewpoint" along the way to the summit.
Additionally, from spring to autumn, you can enjoy not only magnificent scenery but also various alpine plants here!
[Address]
Takabocchi Plateau, Nagano Prefecture, Yashiro City, Kataoka 6114-235
[Transportation]
- By Train
Approximately 40 minutes by car from JR Chuo Main Line Yashiro Station
- By Car
Approximately 30 minutes from Nagano Expressway Yashiro IC
Venus Line (ビーナスライン)
The Venus Line is famous as Nagano Prefecture's scenic driving destination. Along its 75.2-kilometer route, you'll find attractions like Tateshina Plateau, Shirakaba Lake, and Maboroshi Peak.
Divided into four zones based on their distance from Tokyo, each zone has its unique charm. The highest point, Meihan Plateau at an altitude of 1,920 meters, offers breathtaking views of the vast Japanese Alps!
Another reason the Venus Line is popular is that it has been completely free since 2002. Additionally, from early July to early August, beautiful alpine plants bloom, offering a colorful spectacle.
[Address]
Chino City to Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture
[Transportation]
- By Train
About 3 minutes by car from JR Chino Station
- By Car
About 5 minutes from Chuo Expressway Suwa IC
Oshaga Pond (御射鹿池)
Oshaga Pond is acclaimed as Japan's most beautiful pond. With its high transparency and calm surface, you can admire the reflections of surrounding trees like a mirror.
Regardless of the season, you can see different views such as fresh greenery, autumn leaves, and snow scenes, making it endlessly charming. Surrounded by a peaceful forest, just visiting here can have a healing effect!
The recommended time to visit is early morning. If you want to see a mirror or just relax, this is the place to be!
[Address]
Oshaga Pond, Okutateshina, Chino City, Nagano Prefecture
[Transportation]
- By Train
Approximately 40 minutes by car from JR Chuo Main Line Chino Station
- By Car
Approximately 30 minutes from Chuo Expressway Suwa IC
Senjōjiki Curl (千畳敷カール)
The Senjōjiki Curl is of grand scale, deemed a world-class scenic wonder. Located at the foot of Mount Hōken, it is acclaimed as a treasure trove of alpine plants and a famous spot for autumn leaves. Its characteristic bowl-shaped terrain was formed by glacier erosion approximately 20,000 years ago.
The vibrant natural scenery spread out at an altitude of 2,500 meters is like an aerial landscape. Overlooking Japan's renowned peaks like Mount Fuji, Mount Kitadake, and Mount Aino, the feeling here is truly fantastic! Especially recommended during the autumn leaves season, where you can enjoy a spectacular contrast with the blue sky.
Let's visit Senjōjiki Curl and enjoy nature in various ways like ropeway and hiking!
[Address]
1 Akaho, Komagane City, Nagano Prefecture
[Transportation]
- By Train
Take Ina Bus from JR Iida Line Komagane Station to Hakuba Bus Station
- By Car
From Komagane IC, take the Chuo Expressway to Sugano-dai Bus Center, then take a bus for about 30 minutes.
The Land of Peach Blossoms (花桃の里)
The Land of Peach Blossoms is a charming spot in Nagano Prefecture's Achi Village. From early April to early May, peach blossoms bloom, enveloping the entire village in a pink world.
Achi Village is known for its "three-colored peach blossoms" in red, white, and pink. During peak bloom, around 5,000 peach trees burst into flowers, said to be Japan's largest peach tree grove! Another advantage is that the blooming period lasts longer than cherry blossoms.
Moreover, there are many famous hot springs nearby, such as the Choshin Onsen district. After enjoying the peach blossoms, be sure to relax in the hot springs!
[Address]
Achi Village, Shimo-Ina District, Nagano Prefecture, Chisato Tonosawa
[Access]
- By Train
Approximately 30 minutes by car from JR Iida Station on the Iida Line
- By Car
Approximately 5 minutes by car from the Saku IC on the Chuo Expressway
SORA Terrace
SORA Terrace, located at an elevation of 1,770 meters on a steep slope, offers a breathtaking sky-viewing spot. You can relax in the café space while enjoying panoramic views of the Northern Alps and the Sea of Japan, making it the perfect place for a luxurious experience!
If the weather is favorable, you might even encounter a sea of clouds. The dreamy scenery is breathtaking ♡ The feeling above the clouds is a precious experience unique to this place!
[Address]
Yatsunose, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano Prefecture 11700
[Hours]
9:00-19:00
[Access]
- By Bus
Take a free shuttle bus for about 30 minutes from Nagano Electric Railway Yudanaka Station
- By Car
Approximately 25 minutes by car from the Shinshu Nakano IC on the Nagano Expressway
Kappa Bridge in Kamikochi (上高地・河童橋)
Kappa Bridge is a symbol of Kamikochi. This wooden suspension bridge, located at an altitude of 1,500 meters, complements the magnificent views of the Hotaka Mountains and Yakedake, adding to its charm.
It is also famous for its autumn leaves, attracting many domestic and international tourists from mid- to late October each year. The vast scenery creates an extraordinary feeling and is sure to refresh your mood ♪ The clear streams are also very soothing!
Additionally, you may encounter wild animals and fireflies along the hiking trails ♡
[Address]
Kamikochi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture
[Access]
- By Bus
Take the Nagano Electric Railway Kamikochi Line from Shin-Shimashima Station to Kamikochi Bus Terminal, then walk about 10 minutes from the terminal
- By Car
Approximately 1 hour from the Nagano Expressway Matsumoto IC
Experience the Spectacular Scenery of Nagano Prefecture ♪
Nagano Prefecture's charm lies in its many spectacular landscapes. Without a doubt, you will be captivated by scenes that rival world-class dynamics!
