Nagano, also known as Shinshu, is a region in Japan renowned for its historical landmarks like Zenkoji Temple and its breathtaking natural landscapes and mountain views. Shinshu is a treasure trove where you can feast your eyes on "scenic beauty" and indulge your taste buds in delicious "food." This time, we will introduce numerous magnificent sights and delectable cuisines recommended by locals.
[Minowa Town, Nagano] "Momiji Lake" with Autumn Leaves Reflecting on the Water
Momiji Lake is a renowned spot for autumn foliage in Minowa（みのわ）Town, Nagano Prefecture. Normally located along the banks of the Minowa Dam, the surrounding maple trees turn a vibrant red in the autumn.
Approximately 10,000 maple trees create a magnificent view around the dam, and the autumn leaves reflecting on the surface of the lake are truly spectacular. The fallen leaves carpet the ground like a beautiful tapestry.
During the autumn foliage season, there are also events such as the Momiji Festival and maple leaf illuminations that allow you to fully enjoy the autumn colors. Nearby, there's the Tarumae Marsh Campsite where you can experience camping and maple leaf picking.
- Minowa Town, Nagano
- Address: Nagano, Minowa Town, Nagao Shinden
- Access: Approximately 20 minutes by taxi from JR Iida-Ina Matsushima Station
- Best Viewing Time: Late October to early November
[Nagano City, Nagano] "Mishaka Ike" Selected as One of the Best Reservoirs
Mishaka Ike（みしゃかいけ）is an agricultural warm-water reservoir located at an elevation of 1,500 meters within the Yatsugatake Chushin Kogen National Park. It was built to raise the temperature of the frigid water from Mount Yatsugatake to a suitable level for rice cultivation. It has been selected as one of the best reservoirs by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
The landscape with trees reflecting on the water's surface is lush and has gained attention through television commercials. It is a popular tourist spot visited by many. Additionally, it is well-known as the subject of the famous painting "The Sound of Green" by the renowned Japanese painter Tohaku Hasegawa.
Throughout the year, you can enjoy different views, including fresh spring green, deep green, golden autumn foliage, and pristine white snow.
- Minamiuonuma Town, Nagano
- Address: Minamiuonuma Town, Chino City, Nagano
- Access: Take the Alpico Transportation/Oritatekami Susuki Line from JR Chino Station, and get off at the Meiji Onsen Entrance Bus Stop, approximately 45 minutes.
[Chikuma City, Nagano] - The Famous "Obasute Tanada" Visited by Many Poets
Togakushi Mirror Pond has become a very famous place in recent years, and most residents of Nagano have either visited it at least once or heard rumors about it.
This serene pond is located at an altitude of 1,200 meters and reflects the Togakushi Mountain Range in every season like a mirror. The fresh green of spring, the cool breeze of summer, and the fiery red leaves of autumn are exceptionally beautiful here. Each year, from early to mid-October, the Togakushi Mountains and the surrounding broadleaf trees turn into shades of red and yellow. Many tourists and photographers come from all over Japan to witness its magical beauty.
- Nagano City, Togakushi Highlands
- Address: Togakushi, Nagano City, Nagano
- Access: Take a bus from JR Nagano Station to Togakushi Campground, approximately 1 hour, then walk about 40 minutes to reach the Mirror Pond.
- Best Viewing Time: Early to mid-October
[Chikuma City, Nagano] - The Famous "Obasute Tanada" Visited by Many Poets
Known since ancient times as a moon-viewing spot, Obasute (おばすて) has been visited by numerous poets, including Matsuo Basho and Kobayashi Issa. The scene of the moonlight reflecting on the terraced rice fields is called "Tanamoe no Tsuki." During the irrigation period, many people come to admire the moon.
In 2020, the story of "Tanamoe no Tsuki" in Chikuma City was recognized as a Japanese cultural heritage. Located in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture, about a 30-minute drive from Nagano City and Ueda City, the onsen (hot spring) area of Togura Kamiyamada Onsen is also one of its attractions.
Especially in autumn, the Obasute Tanada with golden rice fields during the day and the moonlight at night is truly a magnificent sight!
- Obasute no Tanada, Chikuma City, Nagano
- Address: Obasute, Oaza, Yawata, Chikuma City, Nagano
- Access: About a 10-minute walk from Obasute Station
[Nagano, Shiga Highlands] - Japan's Highest Outdoor Escalator, "Yokote-yama Skylator"
The Yokote-yama escalator has been selected as one of the "Shinshu Sunset Spots 100 Selections." The evening view from here offers a breathtaking view of the golden sky and mountains of Shinshu.
Anyone can reach the summit of Mt. Yokote-yama, which is 2,307 meters above sea level, by taking the nearby outdoor escalators "Skyrator" and "Summer Lift." From the summit, you can see the Northern Alps and, on clear days, even Mt. Fuji. Don't you want to enjoy the spectacular feeling of floating in the air on Japan's highest outdoor escalator at the highest point in Japan?
- Nagano Prefecture, Shiga Highlands, Yokote-yama Skyrator
- Address: Hirafu, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano Prefecture
- Access: Take a bus from Yudanaka Station on the Nagano Dentetsu Nagano Line, approximately 45 minutes.
[Nagano, Shimonita Town] - "Northern Shinano's Five Mountains and Lake Nojiri" from the Scenic Terrace
The Nojiri Lake Terrace is a scenic spot in Shimonita Town. Here, you can not only enjoy the Nojiri Lake Terrace but also various facilities and activities. What's enticing is the menu featuring Shinshu-grown produce that you can savor at the Nojiri Lake Lounge, overlooking Lake Nojiri and the Northern Shinano Mountains from an elevation of 1,100 meters.
From the terrace built on a slope, you can enjoy a magnificent 180-degree view of Lake Nojiri on the left and the five Northern Shinano mountains (Myoko, Iinuma, Kurohime, Togakushi, and Iizuna) right in front of you.
- Nagano, Shimonita Town, Scenic Terrace
- Address: 3575-8 Furumi, Shimonita Town, Kamiminochi District, Nagano
- Access: Take a bus from Shimonita Railway Kurohime Station, approximately 25 minutes.
[Nagano, Yamanouchi Town] - "Zaogawa Waterfall" Flowing Down from Oki Iwa
Located upstream of the Zao River, the Zaogawa Waterfall, known as "Omae," is a beautiful and impressive waterfall that flows down from Oki Iwa. The waterfall is approximately 20 meters high and is composed of andesitic conglomerate derived from hard tuff of the Kusunoki Formation. It is about 6 kilometers from the Okushiga Forest Road along the way.
The Okushiga Valley Promenade is built around the main waterfall, and along the promenade, there are other waterfalls such as "Harmonica Falls," "Mawari Ai Falls," and "Sandan Falls."
- Nagano, Yamanouchi Town, Zaogawa Waterfall
- Address: Kirime, Ojiro, Yamanouchi-mura, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano Prefecture
- Access: Drive about 1 hour and 40 minutes from Tsunan Town Hall + a 20-minute walk from the parking lot.
Local Delicacy in Shinshu! "Oyaki"
"Oyaki" is a popular specialty of Shinshu. "Irohado Kinasa" is one of the most famous shops in the Shinshu Kingdom of Shinshu. It is about a 40-minute drive from Nagano Station.
Although it's a bit far from the city center, you can relax by the fireplace seating. There is also a cafe and gallery in another building where you can enjoy coffee and sweets.
The year-round menu includes "Mixed Vegetables," "Mountain Vegetables," "Konnyaku Miso," "Kiritanpo," "Fubukina," "Pumpkin," and "Tsuano." There are also seasonal items, so you can enjoy it anytime you visit!
- Irohado Kinasa (いろは堂 鬼無里本店)
- Address: 1687-1 Onimusato, Nagano City, Nagano
- Access: Drive 40 minutes from JR Nagano Station
- Closed on Tuesdays
You Might Get Addicted to the Spiciness! "Oshibori Udon"
"Oshibori Udon" is very spicy, and first-time eaters may find it choking. It is a local delicacy eaten in the area from Nagano City to Ueda City (Moresco no Sato) in Nagano Prefecture, such as Sakaki-cho in Sakaki-gun and Chikuma City, and has been enjoyed since ancient times. The star of this udon is not so much the udon noodles themselves but the daikon radish used as a dipping sauce.
The spiciness of this dish warms you from the core, makes you sweat, and locals describe this taste as "amamokkura."
Crispy Outer, Juicy Inside "Okayama Unagi"
Okayama's unagi is prepared in the Kansai style, with a crispy outer layer and a tender and flavorful interior, featuring a sweet and rich sauce.
Okayama City is located between the eastern and Kansai regions, thus exhibiting characteristics of both areas. The local residents have a long-standing tradition of eating unagi, and the consumption rate is among the highest in the country, with numerous eel restaurants and fish markets in the area.
Why not visit a restaurant of your choice and enjoy Okayama eel for lunch?
Perfect for a Scenic Photo! "Frozen Grilled Sandwich"
At the Nojiriko Shikaoru resort located at the foot of Mount Madarao in Shinano Town, Nagano Prefecture, you can enjoy a relaxing coffee time while admiring the magnificent view outside.
The recommended menu item is the frozen grilled sandwich, made with hot bread, red bean paste, and ice cream. It includes a variety of vegetables such as mountain vegetables, greens, pumpkin, red bean paste, and dried daikon radish.
The ice cream grilled sandwich on the observation deck and the breathtaking view from the observation deck are sure to result in some fantastic photos!
- Nojiriko Shikaoru Resort
- Address: 3575-8 Furumi, Shinano Town, Kamiminochi District, Nagano
- Access: Take a bus from Shinano Railway Kitashinano Line Kurohime Station, approximately 30 minutes.
