Events in Nagano
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Nagano Prefecture is a stunning travel destination where you can experience breathtaking nature across all four seasons, rich history, relaxing hot springs, and delicious local cuisine.
Home to the towering 3,000-meter peaks of the Japanese Alps, Nagano offers some of the best scenic trekking spots in Japan, including Kamikochi, Hakuba, and Norikura. In winter, the region transforms into a snow lover’s paradise, with world-class powder snow at resorts like Hakuba and Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort.
Nagano is also a treasure trove of historical sites. Matsumoto Castle, a designated National Treasure, stands out with its magnificent, black-painted main keep. Meanwhile, Togakushi Shrine is known for its mystical atmosphere and has long been regarded as a sacred power spot. If you’re looking for something unique, a visit to Jigokudani Monkey Park is a must—here, you can watch adorable snow monkeys soaking in natural hot springs during winter.
And of course, no trip to Nagano is complete without indulging in the local food scene. Shinshu soba (buckwheat noodles), fresh apples, and locally brewed sake are just a few of the region’s culinary highlights.
Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, cultural exploration, or simply a peaceful retreat, Nagano has something for everyone. Why not plan a trip and experience its natural beauty, rich history, and mouthwatering flavors for yourself?
PickUp Nagano Events
Onbashira Festival
The Onbashira Festival is a spectacular and daring festival held once every seven years in the Suwa region of Nagano Prefecture. It is one of Japan’s most unique and exhilarating traditional events, deeply rooted in local history and culture.
During this sacred ritual, sixteen massive fir trees—each over 200 years old—are cut down from the mountains and transported to the four shrines of Suwa Taisha. These towering logs, known as Onbashira, are then erected at the four corners of each shrine’s grounds.
The festival’s most breathtaking moments are the Kiotoshi (Log Riding) and Kawakoshi (River Crossing). In the Kiotoshi event, participants ride the enormous logs—measuring about 17 meters in height and weighing over 10 tons—down steep slopes, showcasing incredible bravery and skill. The Kawakoshi event involves crossing a river with these giant logs, adding another layer of excitement and challenge.
This awe-inspiring festival is often called the “Greatest Festival Under Heaven” due to its sheer intensity and scale. It is not only a remarkable showcase of Japan’s ancient traditions but also a symbol of unity and strength within the Suwa community.
Since the festival only takes place once every seven years, witnessing it is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience!
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A musical tour exploring Nagano through songs.
Discover and Enjoy Nagano! A Guide to Must-Visit Spots & Topics.
Zenkoji Temple
Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City has a history spanning about 1,400 years and is known for welcoming people of all faiths. One of its unique experiences is the Okaidan Meguri, where visitors navigate a pitch-dark underground passage beneath the main hall by touch. It’s said that if you can find and touch the “Key to Paradise”, you’ll receive the blessing of attaining enlightenment in the afterlife.
Kamikochi
Kamikōchi is a pristine area in Japan’s Northern Alps, known for its untouched natural beauty. One of its most iconic spots, Kappa Bridge, offers stunning views of the Hotaka Mountain Range and the crystal-clear Azusa River. Popular attractions like Taisho Pond and Tashiro Marsh also draw visitors seeking scenic landscapes and tranquil surroundings. To help preserve the environment, public transportation and shuttle buses are recommended for access.
Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle is known for its striking black walls, giving it a unique and imposing presence. While it appears to be a five-story structure from the outside, it actually has six floors inside, a design known as “Gojū-Rokukai” (Five-tiered, Six-story). From the top of the main keep, you can take in breathtaking panoramic views of Matsumoto City and the Northern Alps. The castle hosts various events throughout the year, including a special Takigi Noh performance held in August, where traditional Japanese theater is performed under the enchanting glow of torchlight.
Karuizawa
Karuizawa is one of Japan’s premier highland resorts, easily accessible from Tokyo by Shinkansen. Stroll along Kyukaruizawa Ginza Street, where you can enjoy shopping and delicious local treats. If you’re a nature lover, don’t miss Shiraito Falls and Kumoba Pond, both offering breathtaking scenery and a peaceful escape from the city.
Shirakaba Lake
Shirakaba Lake is a man-made lake sitting at an altitude of around 1,400 meters, with a circumference of about 4 km. The area surrounding the lake offers plenty of attractions, including art museums, an amusement park, walking trails, boating, and even horseback riding. Nearby, you’ll also find popular sightseeing spots like Kurumayama Highlands and Kirigamine Highlands. In winter, the area transforms into a lively ski destination, attracting many visitors looking to enjoy the snow.
Nozawa Onsen
Nozawa Onsen is a historic hot spring town known for its 13 soto-yu (public bathhouses), which are managed by the local community and open to visitors for free (with a small donation). As you explore the town, you’ll find unique experiences like foot baths and making your own onsen tamago (hot spring eggs). Plus, you can witness traditional festivals like the Dosojin Fire Festival, adding to the town’s rich cultural charm.
Lake Suwa
Lake Suwa is the largest lake in Nagano Prefecture, surrounded by hot spring resorts where you can relax in foot baths or traditional ryokan inns. The area also features sightseeing boats and well-maintained cycling paths, making it a great spot for outdoor activities. Two of its most famous events are the “Omiwatari” in winter, a natural phenomenon where ice cracks form across the frozen lake, and the “Suwa Lake Fireworks Festival” in summer, one of Japan’s most spectacular fireworks displays.
Narai-juku
Narai-juku is a historic post town in Shiojiri City, dating back to the Edo period. Lined with well-preserved buildings, it offers a glimpse into Japan’s past. Strolling through its charming streets, you can shop for traditional crafts like Kiso lacquerware or enjoy local specialties such as gohei-mochi. It’s the perfect place to soak in the atmosphere of an Edo-era traveler’s journey.
Togakushi Shrine
Togakushi Shrine” is a historic shrine with a history spanning over 2,000 years. It consists of five shrines: Okusha, Chusha, Hokosha, Kuzuryusha, and Hino-mikosya. The pathway leading to Okusha is lined with towering cedar trees, creating a mystical and serene atmosphere. This shrine is dedicated to deities from Japanese mythology, making it a spiritually significant site.
Shibu Onsen
Shibu Onsen is a charming hot spring town that retains its historic streets and traditional atmosphere. One of its most famous spots is Kanaguya, a ryokan said to have inspired the bathhouse in Hayao Miyazaki’s animated film Spirited Away. As you hop between different hot springs, you can also take a leisurely stroll along the atmospheric stone-paved streets, soaking in the nostalgic charm of the town.
List of Inbound-Friendly Taxi Companies in Nagano
Alpico Taxi
While our drivers may not be fluent in English, we prioritize assigning those who have undergone English training and learned etiquette for assisting international visitors. If communication becomes challenging, we use translation apps to help facilitate conversations.
- Multilingual Support for the Official Website・・・◯
- Dispatching Standard Taxis via the GO App・・・×
Chuo Taxi Co., Ltd.
The company has English-speaking drivers available for reservation. It also offers shared airport transfers, direct transportation to major tourist spots, and sightseeing tours.
- Multilingual Support for the Official Website・・・◯
- Dispatching Standard Taxis via the GO App・・・×
Nagano Luxury Taxi
The website provides information in English, simplified Chinese, and Korean.
- Multilingual Support for the Official Website・・・◯
- Dispatching Standard Taxis via the GO App・・・×
- This content introduces taxi companies based on inbound-friendly information available online. However, the availability and details of services may vary depending on when the information was released.
- The GO app’s dispatch service may not support special services such as sightseeing taxis. If you are planning to use a taxi for tourism purposes, please contact the respective taxi company in advance.
- This website does not handle taxi reservations or arrangements. For detailed service information and the latest availability, please contact each taxi company directly.