Nagano

Nagano is the capital of Nagano Prefecture and one of central Japan's most distinctive mountain cities, sitting in a broad basin surrounded by the Japanese Alps. It is best known as the host of the 1998 Winter Olympics and as home to Zenko-ji, one of Japan's most important Buddhist pilgrimage temples.

Nagano's history and culture are closely tied to Zenko-ji, whose main hall is a National Treasure and draws visitors throughout the year. Nearby, the Togakushi Shrine complex and the former castle town of Matsushiro reflect the region's samurai and religious heritage, while the M-Wave and other Olympic venues remain part of the city's sporting identity.

The area around Zenko-ji and Nagano Station offers historic streets, shops, cafés and local restaurants, and the Jigokudani Monkey Park is famous for snow monkeys bathing in natural hot springs. Day trips to Obuse, with its Hokusai museum, and the onsen and ski resorts of Togakushi, Nozawa Onsen and Hakuba are popular with visitors.

Nagano is also a practical base for regional business and agriculture, known for Shinshu apples, soba noodles, miso and sake. It combines easy Shinkansen access from Tokyo with mountain scenery, winter sports, onsen stays and year-round cultural events, making it relevant for both leisure and business travellers.