28 Carefully Selected Locations in Nagano Prefecture: Guide to Maps, History, Nature, and Optimal Shooting Times

Introduction to Instagram-Worthy Photos in Nagano Prefecture

Nagano Prefecture is home to many historical spots, such as Zenkoji Temple, with its 1,400 years of history, and Togakushi Shrine, boasting 2,000 years of history. You also can’t miss Matsumoto Castle, which features Japan’s oldest castle tower. Kamikochi, known for its natural beauty, Shiga Highlands, famous for monkeys bathing in hot springs, and Karuizawa, which has thrived as a resort area since the Meiji era, are all part of Nagano’s charm. These places are known as some of Japan’s top tourist destinations, where visitors can enjoy both history and nature.

Zenkoji Temple

Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City has a long history of about 1,400 years. Its main deity is a statue with Amida Nyorai in the center, flanked by Kannon Bosatsu and Seishi Bosatsu. Notably, the temple is jointly managed by two sects, Tendai and Jodo, which is a unique feature. Since it is non-denominational and does not belong to a specific sect, many worshippers have visited this temple since the Edo period. Every seven years, Zenkoji holds a special event called Gokaicho, where a replica of the main deity, known as the “Maedachi Honzon,” is moved to the main hall for worship.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 11 minutes by bus from Nagano Station

Kitamuki Kannon

Kitamuki Kannon is a Tendai sect temple located in Bessho Onsen, Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture. The temple is built facing north, which is the origin of its name. It is said that Zenkoji in Nagano City brings benefits in the afterlife, while Kitamuki Kannon brings benefits in this life. Because of this, many people visit both Kitamuki Kannon and Zenkoji.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 10 minutes on foot from Bessho Onsen Station

Togakushi Shrine

At the foot of Mount Togakushi lies Togakushi Shrine, consisting of five shrines: Okusha, Chusha, Hokosha, Kuzuryusha, and Hino-mikosha. It has a history of over 2,000 years. The shrine enshrines deities from Japanese mythology and has been known since ancient times as a spiritual training ground. Even today, it is famous as a power spot, attracting many worshippers from all over the country.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: Spring, Summer, Autumn
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: Infrequent public transportation　car recommended

Kagami Pond in Togakushi

This tranquil pond, located at an altitude of 1,200 meters, reflects the Togakushi mountain range like a mirror throughout the seasons. It is especially recommended for its autumn foliage. There are walking paths around the pond, and it is connected to the Togakushi Forest Botanical Garden.

Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, is known as the oldest existing castle tower in Japan. Its historical value is high, and it has been designated a National Treasure along with Himeji Castle, Inuyama Castle, Hikone Castle, and Matsue Castle. The castle combines parts built during different periods, each reflecting the characteristics of those times. While the parts from the Sengoku period emphasize defensive functions for warfare, the parts from the Edo period reflect a more peaceful era and are more decorative. Although the exterior of the castle appears to have five stories, there is a hidden floor, making it actually six stories high.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 4 minutes by bus from Matsumoto Station

Suwa Taisha

Suwa Taisha, located by Lake Suwa, consists of four shrines: Honmiya, Maemiya, Akimiya, and Harumiya. It has been revered since ancient times as a deity of nature and agriculture. A particularly notable event is the Onbashira Festival, held every seven years. During this grand festival, large wooden pillars about 1 meter in diameter, 17 meters long, and weighing 12 tons are cut down from the mountains, transported through the town, and erected around the shrine.

Shiga Highlands

Shiga Highlands is a vast resort area with various lakes and marshlands located at altitudes ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 meters. It offers a variety of outdoor activities throughout the seasons, including trekking in the summer and skiing in the winter. The area is recognized as a UNESCO Eco Park for its sustainable coexistence of nature and local communities.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: Infrequent public transportation　car recommended

Mount Shirane

The crater lake at the summit of Mount Shirane is colored emerald green due to volcanic gases, creating a fantastically beautiful sight under the sunlight. It is said that the lake’s color is caused by hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, iron, and sulfur dissolved in the water.

Mount Yokote

At an altitude of 2,307 meters, the summit of Mount Yokote offers a beautiful panoramic view of Shiga Highlands. The lift makes it easy for tourists to reach the top, making it very popular. On clear days, you can even see Mount Fuji from this scenic spot.

Ski Resorts in Shiga Highlands

Shiga Highlands is one of Japan’s largest snow resort areas, recognized as a UNESCO Eco Park. The area, ranging from 1,330 to 2,307 meters in altitude, is home to a total of 18 ski resorts. Access is very convenient, with express buses running from Nagano Station. If you take the Shinkansen or express bus to Nagano Station, you can then take a direct bus to Shiga Highlands.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: Winter
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 1 hour and 5 minutes by bus from Nagano Station

Jigokudani Monkey Park

Jigokudani Monkey Park is located in a valley about 40 minutes by car from Nozawa Onsen in Nagano Prefecture, where a troop of Japanese macaques lives naturally. This special facility allows visitors to observe monkeys up close without fences and is very popular among foreign tourists as “snow monkeys.” In the cold winter, you can see the monkeys warming themselves in the hot springs.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: Spring, Summer, Autumn
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information:42 minutes by bus from Nagano Station, 40 minutes on foot

Onuma Pond

Onuma Pond was formed when lava from Mount Shiga dammed the river. It is located at an altitude of 1,694 meters, has a depth of 26.2 meters, and a circumference of about 5 km. The emerald green lake water is highly acidic (pH 4.4), so no fish live there, but it is very transparent, making it the sixth clearest lake in Japan.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: Spring, Summer, Autumn
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 35 minutes on foot from Yudanaka Station

Kanaguya Ryokan in Shibu Onsen

The historic Kanaguya Ryokan, which has been operating since the Edo period, is famous for its resemblance to the bathhouse in Studio Ghibli’s anime “Spirited Away.” Access is easy, taking the Nagano Electric Railway from JR Nagano Station and getting off at Yudanaka Station. It is a particularly recommended spot for anime fans and history enthusiasts.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 30 minutes on foot from Yudanaka Station

Autumn Foliage at Hasuike

Hasuike, surrounded by forests and tourist hotels, exudes the atmosphere of a highland tourist spot. The beautiful lotus flowers bloom in the pond, and there are walking paths for leisurely strolls. It is conveniently located near a bus terminal, making it a must-visit place when sightseeing. The autumn foliage is particularly stunning and highly recommended.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: Autumn
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 1 hour and 5 minutes by bus from Nagano Station

Kamikochi

Located at an altitude of about 1,500 meters, Kamikochi in Nagano Prefecture is one of Japan’s most famous mountain tourist destinations, attracting approximately 1.2 million tourists annually. Its rich natural environment and diverse flora and fauna were made famous worldwide by British missionary Walter Weston in 1896.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: Closed from November to April
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 1 hour and 5 minutes by bus from Shinshimashima Station

Azusa River

The Azusa River, originating from the 3,180-meter-high Mount Yari, forms the beautiful Taisho Pond in Kamikochi. Together, Mount Yari, the Azusa River, and Taisho Pond are the main tourist spots in Kamikochi.

Kappa Bridge

Kappa Bridge, a famous tourist spot in Kamikochi, harmonizes beautifully with the surrounding nature despite being a man-made structure. From this bridge, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Hotaka mountain range, the flowing Azusa River, and sometimes even the smoke from Yake-dake volcano. Kamikochi is rich in nature, and you will often encounter Japanese macaques. These monkeys are accustomed to humans and usually do not run away when they see people. However, caution is necessary as bears occasionally appear on the walking paths.

Taisho Pond

Taisho Pond was formed in 1915 when an eruption blocked the Azusa River with lava and mudflows. Initially called “Azusa Lake,” it is now known as “Taisho Pond.” The emerald-colored water and the standing dead trees create a mystical atmosphere.

Myojin Pond

Within the grounds of Hotaka Shrine is Myojin Pond, a beautiful pond with two main pools, Ichinomiya and Ninomiya, and a smaller Sannomiya along the walking path. The springs from the surrounding mountains feed this pond, keeping it unfrozen even in winter. It was also known as “Kagami Pond” in ancient times and is a mystical place often shrouded in mist early in the morning.

Hotaka Mountain Range

The rugged Hotaka mountain range, with peaks reaching 3,000 meters, can be seen from various places in Kamikochi. Known as the “Sanctuary of Rock and Snow,” it has long been a dream destination for climbers.

Autumn Foliage in Kamikochi

Kamikochi is one of Japan’s best autumn foliage spots. The best time to visit is from mid to late October, when the vibrant autumn leaves and golden larches against the backdrop of Taisho Pond and the Hotaka mountain range are a must-see. If you visit in early November, you might also enjoy the sight of the snow-capped Hotaka mountain range.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: October
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: Infrequent public transportation　car recommended

Karuizawa

Karuizawa is blessed with beautiful nature throughout the seasons. In summer, the refreshing highland breeze and lush forests attract visitors, while in autumn, the vibrant autumn leaves can be enjoyed. In winter, it becomes a popular ski resort with its snowy landscapes.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: Karuizawa Station

Shiraito Falls

This waterfall in Karuizawa is a natural attraction where underground water falls beautifully from a height of 3 meters and a width of 70 meters. The fresh greenery in spring, the cool breeze and spray in summer, and the vibrant autumn foliage can all be enjoyed here.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 23 minutes by bus from Karuizawa Station

Kumoba Pond

Also known as “Swan Lake,” Kumoba Pond reflects the beautiful scenery of each season on its surface. It is particularly beautiful during the seasons of fresh greenery and autumn foliage, making it a beloved spot in Karuizawa. There is a walking path around the pond, about 1 km long, where you can enjoy the scenery at a leisurely pace.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: Autumn
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 23 minutes on foot from Karuizawa Station

Ski Resorts in Karuizawa

The ski resorts in Karuizawa are conveniently accessible from the city center and offer high winter sunshine rates. Although the snowfall is not abundant, the high-altitude ski resorts offer powder snow. Additionally, the slopes with artificial snow are popular for their smooth snow quality.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: Winter
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 12 minutes on foot from Karuizawa Station

Mount Asama

Mount Asama, an active volcano located on the border between Nagano and Gunma prefectures, has an altitude of 2,568 meters. It is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, with volcanic activity spanning hundreds of thousands of years, making it a popular tourist destination.

Old Karuizawa Ginza

Old Karuizawa Ginza is a spot where you can enjoy the historical atmosphere, stylish cafes, and diverse shopping experiences. It is a 20-minute walk from Karuizawa Station. You can also use rental bicycles, making it ideal for exploring the town while enjoying the surroundings. This area has a long history dating back to the Edo period and captivates visitors with its cozy atmosphere and unique charm.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 4 minutes by bus from Karuizawa Station

Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza

This shopping mall near the south exit of Karuizawa Station is located in a beautiful natural setting. With around 200 shops, including famous brand outlets, stylish interior and accessory stores, and outdoor goods shops, you can enjoy shopping while surrounded by nature. It’s a place where you can spend the whole day without getting bored. Be sure to visit once.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 2 minutes on foot from Karuizawa Station