Nagano Local Meteorological Observatory

The Nagano Local Meteorological Observatory is a weather monitoring station that measures temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and seismic activity from its location at 418 meters elevation. The facility operates specialized substations across the region to gather meteorological data from different altitude zones.

The facility started as a prefectural weather station in 1889 and expanded to include seismic monitoring by 1915. This expansion made it one of the early Japanese observatories to systematically track earthquakes alongside weather patterns.

The observatory records seasonal shifts such as first snowfall and frost dates that connect to the rhythms of local farming and community life. For residents, these regularly published observations help guide decisions about planting, harvesting, and preparations for weather changes.

Visitors can access real-time weather data, forecasts, and emergency alerts through the observatory's official website and the AmeDAS network. This system makes current information readily available to help prepare for local weather conditions.

The observatory operates specialized monitoring substations in Matsumoto, Suwa, Iida, and Karuizawa that collect detailed weather data from different elevation zones across the region. These remote locations create a unique network for capturing local weather patterns in mountainous terrain.