Distances between towns and trip planner

Must do and see in Nagano

Nagano is the capital city of Nagano Prefecture, and it is found in the northern area of the prefecture close to the Chikuma and the Sai waterways, on the primary Japanese island of Honshu. As of April 1, 2011, the city has an expected populace of 387,000. Nagano is most celebrated for Zenko-ji, a seventh century Buddhist sanctuary that sits above the city. A million visitors visit Nagano every year. Nagano was initially a town in Kamiminochi District. It is the biggest wooden building in eastern Japan. Nagano facilitated the 1998 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, the third Olympic Games and second winter Olympics. Starting 2010, Nagano was the southernmost host of the Winter Olympic Games. The Nagano Olympic Commemorative Marathon is held every year. Things to do in Nagano are:

1. Zenko-ji Temple

Zenko-ji Temple

Nagano's Zenko-ji Temple is a standout amongst the most famous sanctuaries in Japan. It was established in the seventh century and stores the first Buddhist statue ever to be brought into Japan when Buddhism was initially presented in the sixth century. Zenkoji Temple is in area of Japanese urban communities that were developed either from harbor towns or sanctuary towns. On account of Nagano, it developed from a sanctuary town which created around its sanctuary of extraordinary essentialness, Zenkoji. A short stroll behind the principle corridor stands a generally as of late fabricated pagoda which houses the Zenkoji History Museum. The storehouse showcases display of statues of diverse Buddhas and Bodhisattva.

3. Nagano Olympic Museum at M-Wave

Nagano Olympic Museum at M-Wave

M-Wave is the best place to visit to experience the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. The venue was utilized for skating amid the recreation. Today, it is ice skating arena in the winter furthermore as a preparation place for skaters. The Olympic Stadium still stand and is utilized for games and recreations too. The gallery itself is underneath the stands. A reproduction press region is the first thing you see, and you can have your portrait taken at the platform. The Olympic Museum is open on weekends 10:00-17:00, however the shop is open on weekdays. Affirmation is free yet there is basically no informations besides japanese.

5. Kids Ninja Village

Kids Ninja Village

Kids Ninja Village is amusement park with ninja related attractions spotted at Mount Togakushi in Nagano City, home of the Togakure Ninja School. The town is situated inside a wood, where guests can experience ninja preparing. In spite of its name, the Kids Ninja Village has a few attractions which can engage a few grown-ups. It is located near Togakure Ninpo Museum.

2. Matsushiro Castle

Matsushiro Castle

Matsushiro Castle is a ruin of the palace found in Nagano city. It is the first palace on this site built around 1560 as it was under control of the northern Shinano zone. It was called Kaizu-jo. After Shingen's passing, lordship of the castle changed a few times until 1622 when Sanada Nobuyuki settled here. The mansion structures were disassembled during Meiji Period so there are no unique structures left.

4. The Nagano Chausuyama Zoo

The Nagano Chausuyama Zoo

The Nagano Chausuyama Zoo with 64 types of animals including tigers, lions, giraffes and more was built in 1983. Placed on the highest point of Mt. Chausu, the perspectives of the Nagano cityscape are excellent and there is also Dinosaur Park here along with Botanical Garden.

Nagano is Nagano Prefecture's biggest city and the prefectural capital. Nagano is a point close to the Japan Alps area for skiing and hot springs in the winter and climbing and strolling in the summer.

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