Komagane, Mountain city in Nagano, Japan
Komagane is a mountain city in Nagano Prefecture situated between the Central and Southern Alps, where peaks exceed 3,000 meters and alpine meadows support more than 150 plant species. The terrain shapes daily life here, with steep valleys, forested slopes, and high-altitude environments that define the local landscape.
The city was created in 1954 when smaller communities merged together to form a unified municipality. This consolidation laid the foundation for modern development in the region.
The silk industry shaped how locals lived and worked for generations, and this heritage remains visible in the town's character and the crafts people still practice today.
The ropeway is the main way to reach the high alpine areas, and the journey takes only a few minutes. Sturdy shoes are essential since mountain paths are steep and can be rocky or muddy depending on the season.
A café operating at Japan's highest elevation sits on the mountain here, serving local dishes and a house-made ale that visitors might not expect to find so high up. The setting is remarkable because it brings together comfort and hospitality in a place where you would typically find only wilderness.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
