Location: Nagano Prefecture
Top Things to do in Nagano Prefecture
Top Hotels in Nagano Prefecture
The 10 Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Nagano Prefecture, Chubu
Nagano Prefecture (長野県, Nagano-ken) is a landlocked prefecture of Japan located in the Chūbu region on the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Nagano. Due to the abundance of mountain ranges in this area, the land available for inhabitance is relatively limited.
Restaurants in Nagano Prefecture
1. Matsumoto Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,584 reviews
Reviewed By phale12017
When l was told we were visiting a a castle, grey blocks of stone came to mind( l clearly wasn’t thinking logically) I was amazed to see this massive, towering wooden structure before me! Yes Japanese castles are made from wood. They have moats and tiny narrow windows for firing weapons out of and other familiar features but l have to say they are quite different from the English versions. They have a hidden extra floor that you cannot see from outside, this is just one unfamiliar feature! We were put into groups of 5 or less and shown round by retirees who were practicing their English, what a wonderful idea! Our guide was very amusing!! A word of warning, there are lots of steps inside, some of them steep! But make the effort, it’s well worth it!!
2. Suwa Shrine
3. Zenko-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,931 reviews
Reviewed By hfot2 - Vermont, United States
We have visited Zenko-ji on three different sakura trips and each time the blossoms did not disappoint. The weeping tree on the side of the main hall is spectacular when in full bloom - not to be missed. Bridal shoots occur throughout the temple compound in this season, but especially at this tree. The grounds are lovely throughout. Don’t miss the trees behind the main hall and the many stone lanterns there and elsewhere. There are several small gardens with more flowering trees. If you stand near the photogenic bell tower long enough, you will be there when the ringer arrives, bows to the bell and using the beam suspended on ropes strikes the bell which resonates for a very long time. Statues abound, especially the seven Jizo Bodhisattva at the Sanmon Gate. Many side buildings are more peaceful and less crowded than the main hall area and they too contain statues, bells and lanterns. If you walk behind the main hall and up a bit you arrive at the pagoda which contains the Zenkoji History Museum. It can take several hours to walk around, view, and photograph all that is here. Take your time to enjoy the whole temple compound. There is a city bus that runs to the temple from the station, or you can walk up the hill to the temple from the station - it takes about 30 minutes. The road immediately in front of the gate is full of shops selling souvenirs, religious items, and food. Good soft ice cream can be had here. The streets running parallel to this one are very interesting and worth a stroll. Even if the cherry trees are not a peak, and even if it is not sakura season at all, Zenko-ji is definitely worth a visit.
4. Togariishi Jomon Archaeological Museum
5. Stone Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 491 reviews
Reviewed By Beenster - Yardley, United States
This church is small simple and stunning, I loved its natural beauty with the vines and water flowing. I could have sat there all day
6. Hiroshi Senju Museum Karuizawa
7. Mayumi Takahashi Doll Museum
8. Matsumoto City Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 414 reviews
Reviewed By BoardingPass151160 - Singapore, Singapore
If you are an art lover and especially a fan of Yayoi Kusama, this museum showcased her art mind from the moment before you step into the compound and throughout the museum. Unfortunately there's no photography allowed inside the museum. Yayoi Kusama's art displays are on the 3rd floor. You could walk up the grand staircase or take the lift. Oh, one more thing, you are not allowed to bring your bag into the gallery, to prevent vandalism and probably accidental damage to the artworks. There's a locker for you to keep your staff though. No worry. The first artwork of Yayoi Kusama is the the great pumpkin. It was a magnificent piece of sculpture. Apart from her polkadotsy artworks, you'll get to see her other intricate works. If you look close enough, you'll see how she painted herself into her works. There are also amateurs artworks on the 2nd & 3rd floor galleries as well. There are some really great works on display including sculpture. Take your time enjoying these great work of arts. If you don't mind walking, its about 10 to 15mims walk from Matsumoto Station.
9. Karuizawa prince shopping plaza
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,398 reviews
Reviewed By chiunhow - Singapore, Singapore
200+ shops, covering a huge area. Plenty of international brands. If you intend to visit every shop, be prepared to buffer a few more days. Winter operating hours are short, 10am to 7pm only.
10. Michi-no-Eki Hananoeki Chikumagawa
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 59 reviews
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