Nagano, Capital city in Nagano Prefecture, Japan
Nagano is a prefectural capital in central highland Japan. The settlement lies in a basin surrounded by peaks and spreads between temple districts and modern residential neighborhoods.
The settlement grew around a Buddhist sanctuary from the 7th century onward and developed into a pilgrimage center. During the Edo period an important road passed through the area and brought travelers and merchants into the region.
The old town layout follows streets leading toward Zenko-ji Temple, where pilgrims visit traditional shops and inns. Locals prepare soba noodles by hand and sell them in small eateries that have been around for generations.
Visitors can reach most sites on foot from the train station or use local buses that head into the surrounding mountain areas. In winter snow boots and warm clothing are essential as temperatures drop well below freezing.
At the main railway station a public area features hot springs where travelers can bathe their feet in naturally heated water. Right next to the platforms vendors sell yakimochi, small grilled rice cakes filled with sweet red bean paste.
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