Things to do in Nagano City

No. 13 of Ski Resorts in Nagano Prefecture

Togakushi Ski Resort

Togakushi Ski Field, where the dignified air and majestic panorama before you will leave you refreshed. From the summit area at an elevation of 1,748 m, you can take in the impressive Togakushi Mountain Range head-on. The 360-degree panorama is beautiful beyond words. The viewing spot is also popular, with the peaks of the distant Northern Alps forming a line and Mt. Fuji being visible when the weather is good. Straddling the base of two mountains, Mt. Meno and Mt. Kenashi, the slopes' charm is that its wide variety of trails take advantage of the geography. With everything from Kids Park for enjoying the snow and a beginner course to an advanced course combining such challenges as non-groomed snow and moguls, you'll never tire of their respective characters. The high-quality snow and the stunning scenery intertwine for what we promise will be a very satisfying time.

No. 2 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Nagano Prefecture

Togakushi-Jinja Chusha

Located in Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan, Togakushi Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine nestled in the picturesque Togakushi Mountains. The shrine consists of five main parts: Oku-Sha, Naka-Sha, Hinomiko-Sha, Kuzuryu-Sha and Hoko-Sha, each with its own unique historical and religious significance. Visitors usually start their visit at Naka-Sha and walk along the ancient approach to Oku-Sha, passing stunning natural landscapes and ancient cedar forests. The shrine attracts many visitors with its mysterious atmosphere and natural beauty, especially in autumn when the red leaves paint the entire area in brilliant colors. Togakushi Shrine is also a sacred place for ascetics, and many people come here for spiritual practice and prayer. Visitors can take a bus from Nagano City to Togakushi Shrine, which takes about an hour. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes as the approach is long and steep in some sections. There are traditional Japanese inns and restaurants near the shrine, serving local specialties such as Togakushi soba, which is a good place to experience local culture.

No. 3 of Ski Resorts in Kamiminochi District

Iizuna Resort

Iizuna Resortis located in Iizuna and has excellent snow quality, making it a great place for skiing. Additionally, there is a children's play area, making it a great place to bring children.

Upper Togakushi Shrine

No. 2 of Family-friendly Attractions in Nagano Prefecture

Kurohime Kogen Snow Park

Kurohime Plateau is located southeast of Mount Kurohime, known as the Shinano Fuji. The area is covered with larch and birch trees and is famous as a ski resort, with the nearby area known as the "Fairy Tale Forest." Kurohime Plateau Ski Park features professional courses, off-piste trails, and a large family park, with convenient transportation. Visiting Kurohime Plateau in winter offers a unique Japanese winter experience.

Nagano Prefectural Art Museum

The Higashiyama Kaii Museum was originally donated by the Japanese painter Higashiyama Kaii (1908-1999) for his collection of personal paintings. At present, there are more than 970 pieces in the collection. It is a museum that collects many works of Dongshan Kaii. The exhibits will be replaced every two months. Here, you can wander in the Dongshan art world and have a beautiful encounter!

Chausuyama Zoo

2026 Asia 50 - Ski Resorts

Myōkō Suginohara Ski Resort

Myōkō Suginohara Ski Resort is built on the southeastern foothills of Mount Myōkō. The resort is divided into two main areas, Suginohara and Mita-hara, which are connected by a connecting ski run. The Suginohara area is characterized by a long gondola that takes you from the base directly to the high-altitude starting platform, allowing you to experience long-distance skiing for several km. The Mita-hara area features a wide, open snow slope approx. 300m wide, offering expansive views and making it suitable for intermediate and beginner skiers to practice. The entire resort has a vertical drop of over 1,000m, making it quite large among ski resorts in central Honshu, Japan. On clear days, you can enjoy distant views of Lake Nojiri and Mt. Madarao from the high-altitude ski runs.

No. 1 of Ski Resorts in Ueda

Sugadaira Kogen Pine Beak

Sugadaira Kogen Ski Resort is a popular winter sports destination. The ski resort attracts ski enthusiasts with its diverse ski slopes and high-quality snow. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skier, you will find a ski slope that suits you. The ski resort provides a rental service for visitors to rent ski equipment. In addition to skiing, Sugadaira Kogen Ski Resort also offers other winter activities such as snowshoeing and sledding, which are suitable for family tourists and non-skiers. Sugadaira Kogen Ski Resort is close to the center of Ueda City, and visitors can choose to drive or take public transportation to get there. It is recommended to check the weather forecast and ski resort opening conditions in advance to plan your trip appropriately. Sugadaira Kogen Ski Resort is an ideal place for ski enthusiasts, and it also provides visitors with the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of winter. Whether traveling alone or with friends and family, this place will provide an unforgettable winter experience.

Matsushiro Castle Ruins

Matsushiro Castle, that is, Kaijin Castle, the base camp of the Takeda clan in the Fourth Battle of Kawanakajima, is said to have been built by Kansuke Yamamoto, a one-eyed military. Later, it became the main castle of the Sanada clan of the Matsushiro domain. After the Meiji Restoration evacuated the feudal lords and set up a county, the city was abandoned, and only the Honmaru Ishigaki remained. The Honmaru has been basically restored since 2004, and it is now a designated historic site in Japan. From the existing stone wall, we can see the representative horse path of Dangkoshu Ryuchengchi; at the same time, from the Tianshoutai site, we can see Tzunu Mountain in the distance. Matsushiro Castle is a natural fortress that cleverly utilizes the natural topography of the Qianqu River. Matsushiro Castle is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in mid-April every year and is very lively.