Nagano is a city in the Chubu Region of Japan, set among mountains and known to many visitors as the host city of the 1998 Winter Olympics. It makes a good stop for travellers who want a mix of temple history and mountain scenery.
What to see
- Zenkoji Temple, the city's best-known landmark and a long-established temple town centre around it.
- Mountain views, which surround the city and frame much of the landscape around it.
- Winter sports facilities, a legacy of the Olympic Games held here.
What kind of visit it suits
Nagano suits visitors who enjoy temples, walking through an older town, and time outdoors in the hills. The temple area gives a quiet look at the city's historic character, while the surrounding mountains offer scenery in every season. Those interested in winter sports will find facilities here shaped by the 1998 Games.
Because the city is set in a mountain region, plan your route around the places you most want to see and allow time to take in the views. A visit can be combined with other destinations in the Chubu Region.
