Nagano Prefecture | Life and Culture Shaped by the Mountains
Nagano Prefecture | Life and Culture Shaped by the Mountains
Located in the heart of Japan, Nagano Prefecture is an inland region surrounded by mountains on all sides, often referred to as “the Roof of Japan.”
The majestic ranges of the Northern, Central, and Southern Alps have long defined both the landscape and the way of life in this region.
Its high-altitude terrain brings cool summers and abundant snowfall in winter, making Nagano a haven for outdoor activities such as skiing and mountaineering. Destinations like Hakuba and Shiga Kogen draw visitors from across Japan and abroad, offering immersive experiences of harmony with nature.
Nagano is also a treasure trove of history and culture.
Sites like Zenkoji Temple and Matsumoto Castle embody centuries of spiritual and aesthetic tradition, revealing the richness of regional culture. Historic post towns along the old Nakasendo route and rural villages where traditional lifestyles continue offer a glimpse into Japan’s enduring heritage in everyday life.
The region’s distinct climate, with sharp temperature differences, supports the cultivation of high-quality fruits and vegetables. Apples, grapes, and soba (buckwheat) in particular are celebrated throughout the country.
In Nagano, nature, history, and community-based living come together. It is a place where people live in close connection with the land, fostering a culture rooted in mindfulness and depth.
Nagano Prefecture: Key Facts
Prefectural Capital
- Nagano City
Major Cities
- Nagano City
- Matsumoto City
- Ueda City
Population
- Approximately 2 million
Representative Places and Events
- Matsumoto Castle
- Kamikochi
- Zenko-ji Temple
- Hakuba Village
Local Cuisine
- Togakushi Soba
- Oyaki: A Traditional Stuffed Bun
Craft Works
- Shinshu Tsumugi – Traditional Silk Fabric
- Iiyama Butsudan – Traditional Buddhist Altars
Articles about Nagano Prefecture
Scenery in Nagano Prefecture
The snow-covered mountains of northern Nagano as seen from Hakuba Happo ridge
The summit view from Mount Iwatake overlooking the Three Hakuba Peaks
The Nakamise Shopping Street of Zenkoji Temple in Shinshu
The beautiful landscape of Nozawa Onsen Village, with terraced rice fields and rolling satoyama hills
Matsumoto Castle features Japan’s oldest surviving donjon with five tiers and six internal floors — a rare architectural masterpiece from the feudal era.