NATURE：10 THINGS TO DO IN NAGANO

Published 2019-04-19
Modified 2020-02-17
Author NAGANO TRIP
Categories THINGS TO DO

As you travel throughout Japan, you must see nature in Nagano prefecture. Nagano(長野) has many places to enjoy nature. Especially, we recommend valley and autumn leaves. Nagano’s nature is really diverse and magnificent for ours. Today, we provide information about 10 famous nature places that should be near the top of your “must see” list while travelling throughout Japan.

Akiyama-go Valley

Twelve villages aside the 405 national roads are called Akiyama-go valley(秋山郷). There are holy forests, traditional culture, and beautiful autumn leaves. When you visit Akiyama valley on spring ~ autumn, you can enter Tsunann-town route or Shiga-plateau route. But, when you visit in winter, you can only enter Tsunan-town route. Shiga plateau route doesn’t have public transport, on the other hand, there are Tsunan-town route the public transport and taxi. but public transports are not many times. Of course, Both own cars OK. If you want to feel all Akiyama valley, you must choose 1 night and 2 stays.

Shiga-Kogen Plateau

Shiga-Kogen Plateau(志賀高原) is a magnificent ski resort in winter. Ski areas are connected by a useful shuttle bus service. It is famous for the skier that Shiga-Kogen’s snow quality is great! By the way, Shiga-Kogen Plateau was entered as a Biosphere Conservation Area (UNESCO Eco Park) by UNESCO. There are an original ecosystem and society and beautiful landscape. We can enjoy Shiga-Kogen Plateau all years.

Okususobana Valley

Okususobana Valley(奥裾花渓谷) is famous as a majestic valley. The landscape of the valley is made by strangely shaped rocks and great rock cliff aside Susobana River rises in which wetlands (Okususobana Nature Park) is famous as skunk cabbage. The best season is Spring ~ Autumn. It is grandeur for us to look at the contrast between beech forests and autumn leaves.

Hakuba Valley

10 ski resort in Hakuba(白馬) is collectively called Hakuba Valley. There is Hakuba valley in the foot of the Northern Alps in the north area of Nagano. Hakuba Valley is an international mountain resort After this area was used as a place of Nagano Winter Olympic in 1998. On the other hand, we recommend the summer season. We can enjoy trekking while looking at an alpine plant at Hakuba HAPPO-ONE (Hakuba HAPPO REDGEA SPUR).

Kurobe-dam Gorge

The Kurobe Dam(黒部ダム) is the tallest dam at 186 meters in Japan. It was built about a seven-year period (1956~1963). Visitors can take part in a tour Kurobe Lake on sightseeing boats from June – November. On the other hand, a visitor can join the Truck train tour. 20.1km, One way about 80 minutes, visitors feel a comfortable wind and magnificent natural landscape.

Kiso Valley

Kiso Valley (木曽谷) is one of the Nagano’s well kept secret place. There is 6 town and villages between the Central Alps and Mt, Ontake. Samurai period, Kiso was one of the main ways (this way was called Nakasendo) to transport from Kyoto to Edo. We can look at a state of remaining Japanese traditional townscape and atmosphere. On another hand, there are many nature spots in Kiso Valley. Especially, Nezame no Toko (寝覚ノ床) is constructed for strangely shaped rocks and crystal clear river. we can feel the old culture and beautiful nature in Kiso Valley.

Suwa-ko Lake

Suwa-ko Lake(諏訪湖) is the biggest lake in Nagano prefecture. visitor can ride a boat, a sightseeing boat, an amphibian motor car. In the winter season, we can challenge a pond smelt fishing. Furthermore, Suwa Lake Fireworks Festival is a really famous Fireworks Festival in Japan. In addition, there are a row of cherry blossom trees, stylish cafe, large park, jogging road, foot bath and much more… A visitor will fully enjoy it!

Takato Castle Park

Takato Castle Park(高遠城址公園) is a famous place as a cherry blossoms park. Every April, about 1,500 trees are in full blooming. Furthermore, Maple Tree about 250 trees is in full-color autumn leaves. In the park, there are some historically important architectures. Especially, Takato-Kaku is registered as the registered tangible cultural property by the National office.

Senjojiki Cirque

Senjojiki Cirque(千畳敷カール) is popular in the summer landscape. There are many kinds of alpine wildflowers, alpine animals. In autumn, visitors can look autumn leaves like colorful patchwork. Actually, this place is easily accessible for using the Komagane Ropeway. This is Japan’s oldest ropeway. We can rise 950 meters to 2,334 meters while 8 minutes.

Shimoguri-no-sato

There is Shimoguri-no-Sato（下栗の里） in Iida City, Toyama-go(遠山郷). The maximum gradient is about 38°. Shimoguri-no-Sato is called “Japanese Tirol”. For example, Beautiful landscape, Harmony of nature and traditional lifestyle. visitor can look at a Japanese deep forest and Japanese south Alps. Recently, Studio Ghibli(Japanese famous animation studio) make a check to get a hint of a movie. If you visit this place, you must go to “Tenku-no-Sato View Point “. You will overlook the village.