Hop onboard a Shinkansen and be whisked away from the bustle of city life to Nagano, an idyllic mountainous retreat that’s filled with rich history, breathtaking sights and natural hot springs at every corner. Breathe in the fresh alpine air as you make a stop at – each has something different to offer, from slurp-worthy soba noodles to wild monkeys who know how to appreciate the finer things in life.
- Karuizawa
Situated in the eastern corner of Nagano, Karuizawa is home to rows of luxury resorts, all conveniently located at the base of Mount Asama. A popular haunt amongst locals during winter, Karuizawa is a place for the sporty traveller. There are plenty of outdoor activities to try, including hiking, cycling, golfing, skiing and ice skating. And if you time your visit right, you’ll be able to witness the trees that cover the active volcano turn a brilliant shade of red to mark the start of autumn.
- Matsumoto City
Towering over the city is the majestic Matsumoto Castle. One of the most complete original castles in Japan, Matsumotojo was built in the late 1500s and is a prime spot to catch the cherry blossoms during spring. Unlike the other castles you’ll see in Japan, Matsumoto Castle features black lacquered walls and steep wooden steps, giving it an air of mystery and grandeur that has stood the test of time.
- Kiso Valley
Go back in time to the Edo period of Japanese history when you enter Kiso Valley. The well-preserved streets are lined with wooden houses from yesteryear, harking back to the days of the samurai. The valley was significant during this time as it formed a path through the mountains that connected people from Edo to Kyoto. The best kept post town within the valley is Tsumago, which features a building that dates back to the 19th century that now serves as a museum.
- Azumino
Nestled below the magnificent Mount Jonen lies the quaint city of Azumino. While you’ll mostly be here to explore the Japanese alps, the Daio Wasabi Farm should not be missed. It’s the largest of its kind in Japan, and you’ll get to see how wasabi is grown, harvested and made into products like ice-cream and wine.
- Kamikochi
Be dazzled by the beauty of nature when you head to Kamikochi, a 15-km-long plateau in the Azusa River Valley that’s surrounded by towering mountains and an active volcano. The scenic spot is popular amongst hikers who want to take in the fresh air and verdant views as they get some exercise. The easiest trek follows the path of the Azusa River, which runs from Taisho pond to Myojin bridge. And if you’re lucky you might just spot a snow monkey.
Find out more about Nagano on NHK WORLD’s latest series A Peak at Nagano that was introduced to us at a media screening event. Recommended programmes include Nagano Alpine Adventure, Journeys in Japan, Japan Railway Journal, Cycle Around Japan, J-trip Plan and Design Talks Plus which are all currently available on NHK WORLD’s video-on-demand (VOD) page.
NHK WORLD is 24-hour English TV channel of Japan's only public broadcasting station, NHK. Catch up on the latest news and trends from Japan with NHK’s wide variety of programmes that cover topics like food, travel, culture and many more. Watch it via Singtel TV channel 157, Starhub channel 812, NHK WORLD's official website and its free smartphone app.