Exploring Nagano Prefecture.
#Nagano.
Surrounded by natural beauty, the city of Nagano offers would-be visitors plenty of sightseeing opportunities. It is also an excellent base for further exploring the Nagano Prefecture.
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Highlights - Nagano Station: Alight at Nagano Station for Zenkōji Omotesando, Zenkōji Nakamise Street, Zenkōji Temple (pictured), and Joyama Park.
#Narai-juku.
Dating back to the Edo period (1603-1868), the historic town of Narai-juku is a charming place to spend some time wandering through. It is also one of a few post towns along the Nakasendo Trail to be serviced by a train station, making it an easy day trip from Matsumoto.
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Highlights: Historic buildings (pictured) housing restaurants, cafés, museums, and speciality stores. The town is also home to the C12199 Steam Locomotive, Daihoji Temple, Chosenji Temple, and the Kiso Bridge.
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Transport: From JR Nagano, a train to JR Narai will take just over 2 hours with a change at JR Shiojiri.
For those heading out from JR Matsumoto, JR Narai can be reached by direct train in around 45 minutes to an hour.
#Ueda.
A short Shinkansen ride from Nagano, the city of Ueda is the perfect day trip for those wanting a slice of traditional Japan without the crowds.
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Highlights - Ueda Station: Alight at Ueda Station for Ueda Castle Ninomaru Ruins, Yanagamachi Historic Street, and Tokidakan Silk Mill.
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Highlights - Bessho Onsen Station: Bessho Hot Spring, Kitamuki Kannon Temple, Anrakuji Temple, Jorakuji, 北向観音 参道 (approach to Kitamuki Kannon, pictured).
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Transport: From JR Nagano, a bullet train will reach Ueda in around 10 to 15 minutes.
To continue to Bessho Onsen, change to the Ueda Electric Railway Line and alight at the final stop. The journey will typically take about 30 minutes.
#Tomi.
The main drawcard in the Tomi city area is picturesque Unno-juku, a historic post town with dwellings from the Edo and Meiji Periods.
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Highlights: Alight at Ōya Station for the historic post-town of Unno-juku (pictured), about a 20-minute walk away.
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Transport: From JR Nagano, take the train to JR Ueda, then change for a Shinano Railway train to Oya Station.
Note: Take care not to confuse the Shinano Railway with the JR Shinano train
#Matsumoto.
Within the Nagano Prefecture, surrounded by mountains, lies the picturesque city of Matsumoto, where visitors can enjoy several sightseeing opportunities. The city also provides an excellent base for further exploring the Nagano area.
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Highlights: Matsumoto Jinga Shrine, Matsumoto Castle (pictured), Nawate Shopping Street, Yohashira Jinga, Nakamachi Shopping Street, Matsumoto Timepiece Museum, Fukashi-jinja Shrine, Agatanomori Park.
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Transport: From JR Nagano, direct trains take about an hour to reach JR Matsumoto.
#Karuizawa.
Popular with day trippers, Karuizawa is a great place for those with a soft spot for café culture and retail therapy.
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Highlights - JR Karuizawa Station: Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza, Yagasaki Park, Karuizawa New Art Museum, Kumoba Pond, Old Karuizawa Ginza Street.
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Highlights - Nakakaruizawa Station: Stone Church, Karuizawa Kogen Church, Harunire Terrace (pictured).
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Transport: From JR Nagano, a direct train will take around 30 minutes to reach JR Karuizawa.
To continue to Nakakaruizawa, change at JR Karuizawa and take a Shinano Railway train. The journey will take around an additional 5 minutes.
#Chino.
Within 30 minutes of Matsumoto, Chino is just one of Nagano prefecture's underrated gems. The city is home to the must-see Houro Museum, which features the artistic works of Kiyoshi Yamashi. Additionally, the city is home to a range of quirky installations that almost appear to have been pulled straight out of a storybook, lending to the town's ability to charm visitors of all ages.
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Highlights: Houro Museum, Jinchōkan Moriya Historical Museum, Flying Mud Boat (pictured), Hikusugi-an, Goan, Suwa Taisha Kamisha Maemiya.
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Transport: From JR Nagano, trains take about 1.5 hours to reach JR Chino with a change at Shiojiri or Matsumoto.
From JR Matsumoto, the journey takes around 30 minutes direct, making Chino an ideal day trip option for those who plan to base themselves in Matsumoto.
#Obuse.
Set within an Edo-period atmosphere, Obuse is a must-visit for Japanese art enthusiasts. The historic town is home to the excellent Hokusai Art Museum, which features the works of the well-known Japanese artist, Katshushika Hokusai. Obuse is also well-known for its chestnut products, which can be found in shops throughout the town centre.
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Highlights: Chestnut Alley, Hokusai Museum, Nihonnoakari Museum, Obuse Museum丨Nakajima Chinami Museum, Sakurai Kanseido Main Store (Japanese Confectionery), Obusedo (Japanese Confectionery), Floral Garden Obuse.
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Transport: Direct trains run between JR Nagano and JR Obuse and take around 35 minutes.
#Shibu Onsen (Yamanouchi).
A quaint hot spring town nestled in the Japanese Alps, Shibu Onsen is a delightful place to stroll about for the day. The town is home to several hot spring baths, both indoor & outdoor, as well as many picturesque buildings for visitors to enjoy. The town features quite a few foot baths as well, a welcome sight for anyone with tired feet.
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Highlights - Yudanaka Station: Baioji Temple, World Peace Kannon Statue, 遊仙の窟・足湯 (foot bath), 旧臨仙閣 (Former Rinsen-kaku), Shibuyu Bridge, Matsumoto Seika (Japanese Confectionery), 休足処 信玄 (foot bath), Onsenji Temple, Narita Fudoson, Shibu Yakusian Hermitage, Rekishi no Yado Kanaguya, Saigetsuro Heritage Building.
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Transport: Between Nagano and Yudanaka, Nagano Electric Railway's limited express services take around 45 minutes. Note: JR Pass holders will need to pay a separate fare for this journey.