Take our Small Group Japan Cherry
Blossom Tour - Save $200 Early Bird! | 
Japan Nagano Map - Where is Nagano Located in Japan?
You're looking at a map of Japan. See Tokyo? Good. Now slide your finger northwest about 220 kilometers - that's where you'll find Nagano, sitting pretty much in the heart of Japan.
Nagano is one of Japan's few landlocked prefectures, completely surrounded by Japanese Alps mountains. It's bordered by 8 other prefectures, which is why locals call it the "roof of Japan". Nagano Prefecture is huge (like, fourth largest in Japan), but Nagano City is just one spot in the northern part.
When someone says "I'm going to Nagano," they might mean the city with the famous temple, or they could mean Hakuba for skiing, or maybe the hot springs in the mountains. All different places, all in Nagano Prefecture. Ski Japan's Legendary Powder Snow >>
Nagano Ken Map: Map of Nagano Prefecture with Regions, Districts & Cities
This Nagano Prefecture map breaks down a massive area into bite-sized pieces you can actually plan around. The map divides Nagano into 4 main regions.
Northern Nagano (Hokushin Region) - Centers Around Nagano City, the Prefectural Capital.
This is where you'll find Zenkoji Temple, the 1998 Olympic venues, and those famous snow monkeys bathing in hot springs at Jigokudani. The cities here - Nagano, Iiyama, and Nakano - are well-connected by trains, making this the easiest region for first-timers.
Eastern Nagano (Toshin Region) - Karuizawa, Ueda City & Komoro
This area includes Karuizawa, Japan's favorite summer escape. Rich Tokyo families have been coming here since the 1800s to beat the heat. Ueda City has a real samurai castle, while Komoro offers quieter mountain vibes. This whole area sits higher up, so it's cooler year-round.
Central Nagano (Chushin Region) - Suwa City, Matsumoto & Chino
It is lake country. Suwa City wraps around Lake Suwa, famous for winter ice formations and summer fireworks. Matsumoto City anchors this region with Japan's oldest wooden castle - the black "Crow Castle" that shows up on every postcard. Chino City is your gateway to the Yatsugatake Mountains.
Southern Nagano (Nanshin Region) - Kiso Valley and Iida City
It feels the most remote. The Kiso Valley runs through here with perfectly preserved post towns like Tsumago and Magome. These were rest stops on the old Edo-period highway. Today, you can walk the original stone paths between them. Iida City down south grows some of Japan's best apples.
When our team at Asia Odyssey Travel plans Nagano trips from our Tokyo office, we usually recommend picking 1-2 regions max. The prefecture is bigger than you think, and mountain roads take time.
Nagano City Map: Map of Attractions, Transportation & More for Tourist
Nagano City sits in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture, spread across a valley where two rivers meet. This entire city exists because of one temple. Zenkoji Temple came first (1,400 years ago), then the town grew up around it to serve pilgrims.
The city covers about 835 square kilometers, but don't panic - everything tourists need fits into a compact 3km stretch between Nagano Station and Zenkoji Temple.
Before hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics, Nagano City was mainly known to Japanese as a religious destination. Most visitors spend one full day here, maybe two if you're adding the snow monkeys at nearby Jigokudani.
Nagano City Attractions Map
Look at this Nagano City attractions map and you'll notice something interesting - 3 spots clearly dominate. Zenkoji Temple in the north, the Olympic facilities east of the station, and the historic districts to the west. These big three alone can fill a full day of sightseeing.
- Zenkoji Temple anchors the northern section, with Omotesando Street creating a straight 1.8km path from Nagano Station. Around the temple, you'll spot smaller attractions like Joyama Park with its zoo and cherry blossoms.
- The Olympic legacy clusters east of the station - M-Wave speed skating arena (now a museum) and Big Hat ice hockey venue still draw sports fans. Kids especially love trying on Olympic medals and seeing where athletes competed in 1998.
- West and south, the map shows Nagano's samurai heritage. The Sanada Treasure Museum near the station displays authentic armor and weapons.
But here's what makes this map useful - it also marks spots for different interests.
Art lovers should block out time for the Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum, completely rebuilt in 2021.
Families with kids might prefer Joyama Park, right behind Zenkoji. The zoo is small but has native Japanese serow and those weirdly cute red pandas. In spring, this becomes cherry blossom central - locals spread blue tarps everywhere for hanami parties.
For something different, venture south to Matsushiro district. The old Sanada residence shows how samurai actually lived (spoiler: pretty cramped).
If you're into sake, Nishimon Yoshinoya brewery runs English tours on weekends. They've been brewing since 1637 using Nagano's mountain water. The tasting includes seasonal limited editions you won't find in shops.
Nagano City Transportation Map: JR Lines, Nagano Electric Railway & Tourist Loop Bus
With this Nagano City map you can easily explore Nagano city. Nagano Station is your hub. JR trains arrive here from Tokyo, and local lines spread out like spokes.
The Nagano Electric Railway (locals call it "Nagaden") runs northeast from underground platforms. This little train takes you to Obuse town for chestnuts and art, or all the way to Yudanaka for the snow monkey park. Buy the 2-day pass if you're doing both.
The Gurutto Tourist Loop Bus. Every 15-20 minutes, this red bus circles the main sights. One day pass costs 500 yen. Hop on at Nagano Station's Zenkoji Exit, ride to the temple, then loop back hitting the museums.
Nagano City Travel Map: Accommodation Area & Best Restaurants
This Nagano city travel map highlights two main accommodation zones in Nagano City. The station area (marked in blue) packs in business hotels like Hotel Metropolitan Nagano and Toyoko Inn - convenient for early trains but lacking character.
The Gondo arcade zone near Zenkoji (marked in green) offers traditional ryokans like Jinya and local guesthouses with more atmosphere.
The golden zone sits along Chuo Street between these areas - close to everything but quieter at night. Hotels here include Kokusai 21 and Hotel JAL City Nagano.
For restaurants, this map pinpoints Nagano's essential eats:
Soba noodles: Kusabue (station area) - handmade since 1847, try walnut sauce. Fujiki-An (near Zenkoji) - crispy tempura soba.
Oyaki dumplings: Irohado (Omotesando) - charcoal-grilled, nozawana filling. Oyaki Village (near station) - 15 different fillings.
Local specialties: Monzen Bishoku (Gondo) - basashi (horse sashimi) specialist. Fujiya Gohonjin (near temple) - kaiseki using Shinshu beef.
Izakayas: The Gondo arcade lights up after 5pm with local spots like Daruma (grilled skewers) and Kitano (seasonal mountain vegetables).
Nagano Tourist Map: 15 Must-Visit Attractions & Sightseeing Spots
Looking at a tourist map of Nagano Prefecture. This tourist map pinpoints 15 spots that show why Nagano draws visitors year-round. The map reveals 3 distinct regions.
The northern area around Nagano City serves as the cultural heart with Zenkoji Temple and the Olympic legacy sites.
The central Alps region packs in the big-name attractions: Matsumoto Castle, the snow monkeys of Jigokudani, and resort towns like Hakuba and Karuizawa.
The southern valleys hide lesser-known gems like the preserved post towns and remote onsen.
Northern Nagano
Zenkoji Temple (Nagano City) - 1,400-year-old Buddhist temple.
Jigokudani Monkey Park - Wild monkeys bathing in hot springs.
Togakushi Shrine - Ninja training grounds in cedar forests.
Obuse - Chestnut sweets and Hokusai Museum.
Central Alps Region
Matsumoto Castle - Japan's oldest wooden castle (1594).
Kamikochi - Alpine valley, gateway to Japan Alps hiking.
Hakuba Valley - 10 ski resorts, summer hiking paradise.
Karuizawa - Mountain resort town, outlet shopping.
Nakasendo Trail Towns
Tsumago - Edo-period post town, no cars allowed.
Narai - "Town of a thousand houses" along old highway.
Kiso Valley - Traditional crafts and mountain scenery.
Hot Spring Villages & Hidden Gem
Nozawa Onsen - 13 free public baths, ski resort
Shibu Onsen - Nine public baths, ryokan town
Bessho Onsen - Nagano's oldest hot spring (Kamakura period)
Daio Wasabi Farm (Azumino) - Japan's largest wasabi farm with water wheels
Ski Japan's Legendary Powder Snow >>
Nagano Ski Map: 10+ Ski Resorts Including Hakuba & Shiga Kogen
Nagano Prefecture hosts over 80 ski resorts spread across the Japanese Alps. This ski map highlights the major players - from Olympic venues to local mountains where lift tickets still cost under ¥4,000.
The resorts cluster into distinct regions, each with its own character and snow conditions. Most resorts run from December to early April, though higher elevations like Shiga Kogen stay open into May. Ski Japan's Legendary Powder Snow >>
Hakuba Valley (Northern Alps)
The 1998 Olympic host receives 11+ meters of snow annually and offers the most varied terrain in Japan. Ten resorts line a single valley, making resort-hopping easy. International visitors flock here for English-friendly services and serious vertical drops. Choose Hakuba for challenging runs, alpine scenery, and vibrant nightlife.
- Happo-One - Nagano's flagship resort, Olympic downhill venue, 13 lifts
- Hakuba 47 Best terrain park, connects to Goryu
- Goryu - Wide beginner slopes, night skiing
- Iwatake - Mountain-top village, less crowded
- Tsugaike - Gentle slopes, good for families
- Cortina 100% natural snow, no snowmaking
Shiga Kogen (Central Mountains):
Japan's largest interconnected ski area spreads across 18 peaks at 2,000m elevation. One lift pass accesses everything. The high altitude guarantees snow from November to May - longest season in Nagano. Pick Shiga Kogen for endless exploration, reliable snow, and fewer foreign crowds.
- Shiga Kogen - Japan's largest ski area, 18 connected resorts, 80+ lifts
- Terakoya Steepest runs in Shiga Kogen
- Okushiga Powder heaven, backcountry access
Myoko Region (Northern Border)
Myoko catches storms straight from the Sea of Japan, dumping 15+ meters annually - Japan's deepest snow. Three resorts recently linked by lifts. Still relatively undiscovered by international tourists. Come here for powder days, traditional atmosphere, and empty weekday slopes.
- Myoko Kogen - Three interconnected resorts, deep powder
- Akakura Onsen - Traditional hot spring village base
Other Notable Resorts
These standalone resorts each offer something unique. Nozawa combines village charm with extensive terrain. Madarao specializes in gladed tree runs. Closer options like Sugadaira and Fujimi work for weekend trips from Tokyo.
- Nozawa Onsen Village atmosphere, 50% beginner terrain
- Madarao - Tree skiing paradise, powder guarantee
- Sugadaira - Closest major resort to Tokyo (2 hours)
- Fujimi Panorama - Family-friendly, easy access from Suwa
Japan Ski Resort Map: Ultimate Ski Guide with Maps (2025-2026)
Nagano Onsen Map - Hot Spring Locations
Nagano Prefecture sits on volcanic ground, which means hot springs bubble up everywhere - over 200 onsen towns dot the mountains. This Nagano onsen map marks the major hot spring areas.
Most ryokan accept day-trip bathers (¥500-¥1,500), though remote inns may require overnight stays. The best soaking comes after snowfall - outdoor baths with snow-covered scenery define the Nagano onsen experience. Unwind in a Mountain Onsen >>
| Onsens | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Nozawa Onsen | 13 free public baths, ski resort town |
| Shibu Onsen | 9 public baths, traditional ryokan street |
| Yudanaka Onsen | Gateway to snow monkey park |
| Kanbayashi Onsen | Where the monkeys actually bathe |
| Togura-Kamiyamada | Geisha district, largest bath houses |
| Matsukawa Valley | Eight different hot springs along one valley |
| Utsukushigahara Onsen | Single luxury hotel at 2,000m elevation |
| Asama Onsen | Historic samurai bathing spot near Matsumoto |
| Bessho Onsen | Bessho Onsen: Operating since Kamakura period (1200s) |
| Kakeyu Onsen | Famous for drinking cures |
| Hirugami Onsen | Beautifying alkaline waters |
| Hoshino Onsen | Upscale resort, meditation baths |
| Shiotsubo Onsen | 1,000-year history, rustic atmosphere |
Nagano Food Map - Local Specialties Guide
Nagano's mountainous terrain shapes its cuisine - buckwheat grows where rice won't, preserved foods survive long winters, and mountain vegetables define local flavors. This food map pinpoints where to find Nagano's signature dishes and the restaurants that do them best. Taste Your Way Through Japan >>
Nagano City - Soba Central
The prefectural capital runs on soba noodles. Mountain water and climate create ideal buckwheat conditions. Over 100 soba shops compete here, from 200-year-old establishments to modern interpretations.
Kusabue - Hand-cut soba since 1847, walnut dipping sauce
Fujiki-An - Coarse-ground noodles, tempura specialists
Yamasasa - Massive portions, mushroom soba
Togakushi Soba Museum - Make your own, taste-test varieties
Uzuraya - Creative soba dishes, English menu
Matsumoto - Basashi & Mountain Food
Matsumoto specializes in basashi (horse meat sashimi) and sansai (mountain vegetables). The castle town also embraces its apple orchards with cider and desserts.
Shinshu Basashi Sakaba - Horse meat specialist, varied cuts
Kobayashi Soba - Mountain vegetable tempura sets
Hikariya - Upscale kaiseki using local ingredients
Main Bar Coat - Craft cocktails with local spirits
Tsuruya - Traditional sweets, oyaki dumplings
Karuizawa - International Mountain Resort
This resort town blends Nagano traditions with international cuisine. French and Italian restaurants use local ingredients. The area's dairy farms produce excellent cheese and milk products.
Pyrenees - French-Japanese fusion, local vegetables
Wakuan - Premium Shinshu beef, teppanyaki style
Mikasa Hotel Curry - Historic recipe from 1900s
Hakuba Valley - International Ski Food:
Hakuba's Olympic legacy brought global cuisine to the valley. Australian and European chefs opened restaurants using Nagano ingredients. The result: comfort food with Japanese twists.
The Rabbit Hole - Pizza and craft beer
Sharaku - Izakaya popular with tourists, English menu
Sobadokoro Furusato - Mountain soba with valley views
Must Try Food in Japan: 20 Unique Japan Food & Cuisine in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto.. 2025
Nagano Prefecture Itinerary Map (A Classic & Most Recommended Itinerary)
This 5-day Nagano itinerary connects the prefecture's highlights in a logical loop.
Day 1: Nagano City (Zenkoji Temple, Nakamise Street, Togakushi Shrine, Gondo Arcade)
Day 2: Yudanaka (Snow Monkey Park, Shibu Onsen village)
Day 3: Matsumoto (Matsumoto Castle, Nakamachi District, Kamikochi (summer) or city museums)
Day 4: Hakuba (Kappa Bridge → Myojin Pond → Taisho Pond/ Happo-One or Goryu)
Day 5: Narai or Kiso-Fukushima (Walk section of Nakasendo between post towns (2-3 hours))
Nagano Transportation Map: How to Get to Nagano (from Osaka, Tokyo, Nagoya)
How to Get from Tokyo to Nikko – 2026 Local Guide (Map)
06-Tokyo to Nagano: 3 Ways to Travel in 2025 (Prices & Times)
If you have any questions about this article, please contact us by submitting the following form and we'll immediately get back to you.
Data in submission...
