I might be a bit biased when I say this, but Nagano is the best prefecture in all of Japan! Located in the Japanese Alps, it is great for snow sports (in fact, it was the host of the 1998 Winter Olympics) and hiking. Nine of the twelve highest mountains in Japan are in Nagano! Besides the mountains, Nagano is famous for its many hot springs, national parks, and agriculture. It is also the home of Zenko-ji in Nagano City, one of the few remaining pilgramige sites in Japan, and Matsumoto Castle, a designated National Treasure.
Below is a list of all the cities, towns, and villages in Nagano Prefecture, listed in population size and a few facts about the area. This page is an eternal work in progress!
Nagano City
Nagano City is the capital of Nagano Prefecture and is best known for Zenko-ji Temple, one of Japan’s most important Buddhist temples. The city combines urban life with easy access to mountains, ski areas, and hot springs. It also hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics, and traces of the Olympic facilities can still be seen around the city.
Matsumoto city
Matsumoto is famous for Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s best-preserved original castles. The city has a relaxed atmosphere with art museums, cafés, and historic streets. It is also a gateway to the Japanese Alps and Kamikochi.
Ueda city
Ueda is known for Ueda Castle and its connection to the Sanada clan. The city has a strong historical atmosphere while also being a modern regional center. Bessho Onsen, nearby, is one of Nagano’s oldest hot spring areas.
Iida city
Iida is located in southern Nagano and is known for its traditional puppet theater and local festivals. The city has a warmer climate than much of the prefecture and is surrounded by mountains and orchards. It is also famous for apples and other fruit.
Saku city
Saku is a sunny city in eastern Nagano with a reputation for clear skies and clean air. It has a balance of rural scenery and growing suburban development. The area is also known for agriculture and easy access to mountain resorts.
Azumino city
Azumino is famous for its beautiful countryside, clear spring water, and views of the Northern Alps. The city has many art museums, cycling routes, and wasabi farms. It is often seen as one of Nagano’s most scenic areas.
Ina city
Ina sits in the Ina Valley between the Central and Southern Alps. The city is known for mountain scenery, hiking, and local foods like sauce katsudon. It has a relaxed atmosphere and strong ties to nature.
Shiojiri city
Shiojiri is a major transportation hub and one of Nagano’s important wine-producing regions. The city is famous for Narai-juku, a beautifully preserved post town on the old Nakasendo route. It combines historic sites with vineyards and mountain landscapes.
Chikuma city
Chikuma is known for Togura-Kamiyamada Onsen and views along the Chikuma River. The city has many historical and literary connections, especially to Japanese poetry. It is also famous for apricots in spring.
Chino city
Chino is located near Lake Shirakaba and the Yatsugatake Mountains. It is popular for outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, and camping. The city also has archaeological sites connected to the Jomon period.
Okaya city
Okaya developed historically through the silk industry and sits near Lake Suwa. The city is known for eel dishes and industrial history. Fireworks festivals around the lake are popular in summer.
Suzaka city
Suzaka is a smaller city near Nagano City known for kura storehouses and historic streets. It has a quieter atmosphere and is surrounded by orchards and mountains. The area is especially beautiful during apple and grape seasons.
Suwa city
Suwa is famous for Lake Suwa and Suwa Taisha, one of Japan’s oldest shrine complexes. The city has a strong onsen culture and hosts impressive fireworks festivals. It is also connected to sake brewing and precision manufacturing.
Nakano city
Nakano is known for fruit production, especially grapes and apples. The city also has easy access to ski resorts and hot spring areas in northern Nagano. Mushroom farming is another important local industry.
Komoro city
Komoro is a historic castle town with views of Mount Asama. The city inspired several Japanese writers and poets because of its scenery. It has a calm atmosphere with parks, vineyards, and historical sites.
Sarah "Sid" Warso 