Japan Journeys

The mountainous Nagano Prefecture lies in the heart of Japan’s Honshu island. This outdoor lover’s paradise is famous for ski resorts, hot springs, soba and architecture. There are ample opportunities to hike, ski or kayak in a pristine setting here, and history buffs will love the opportunity to walk a section of the Nakasendo Trail, a well preserved ancient Edo route connecting Tokyo and Kyoto. Other important historical sites include Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City, Matsumoto Castle and the ancient Togakushi Shrine. Whether you’re soaking in the hot springs of Nozawa Onsen, taking in the scenery in the Kiso Valley or enjoying some local produce, you’re sure to love every minute of your time. Easily reachable from Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka, Nagano Prefecture makes for a perfect short getaway. With so much to see and do in the area, where do you begin? You can start by checking out the helpful articles below.