Nagano Prefecture

The prefecture stretches across 13,561 square kilometers of mountainous terrain, encompassing nine of the twelve highest peaks in Japan and numerous alpine valleys.

The region transformed from Shinano Province to Nagano Prefecture in 1871, developing into a major winter sports destination that hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics.

The Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City holds regular Buddhist ceremonies where visitors walk through dark underground passages to find the key to paradise.

The Hokuriku Shinkansen connects Nagano Prefecture to Tokyo in 90 minutes, providing direct access to multiple ski resorts and mountain hiking trails.

Jigokudani Monkey Park presents wild Japanese macaques bathing in natural thermal springs throughout winter, surrounded by snow-covered landscapes.

Location: Japan

Inception: August 8, 1871

Capital city: Nagano

Shares border with: Aichi Prefecture, Gifu Prefecture, Toyama Prefecture, Niigata Prefecture, Yamanashi Prefecture, Shizuoka Prefecture, Gunma Prefecture, Saitama Prefecture

Website: https://pref.nagano.lg.jp/government

GPS coordinates: 36.65128,138.18094

Latest update: May 28, 2025 01:34