The only read you’ll need! Nagano Prefecture: a Guide to the Best of all Four Seasons
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Shibu Onsen is one of the nine hot springs in the Yudanaka-Shibu Onsen area, boasting a history of about 1,300 years. Known for its abundant spring water, all the ryokans (Japanese inns) in the hot spring town offer 100% direct flow from the source. Each of the nine public baths, known as "sotoyu," has a different source and therapeutic effect, making a tour of them highly recommended. After soaking in the hot springs, enjoy strolling through the atmospheric town and tasting local specialties like onsen manju (steamed buns) and other local cuisines. Also worth visiting is the nearby Jigokudani Monkey Park, about a 10-minute drive away, where you can observe monkeys bathing in the hot springs.

Founded 1,500 years ago and mentioned in The Pillow Book as one of the three great hot springs, Bessho Onsen is the oldest hot spring in Nagano Prefecture, known for its beautifying waters. The hot spring town is dotted with a dozen or so inns, each with its own unique charm, allowing visitors to choose according to their preferences. Be sure to make use of the five public bathhouses and foot baths. Often referred to as the "Kamakura of Shinshu," the area is rich in shrines and temples, including national treasures and important cultural properties, making it a delightful escape for sightseeing as well.

Kamisuwa Onsen, located on the eastern shore of Lake Suwa, is one of Shinshu's premier hot spring resorts, lined with historic inns and modern hotels. Boasting an impressive yield of over 15,000 kiloliters per day from more than 500 sources, it's known for its abundant hot spring water. Come and immerse yourself in the hot springs at lakeside inns and hotels, in footbaths at the station and parks, and even in the "Senninburo" (bath for a thousand people) at Katakura, Japan's oldest health resort facility.

The hot spring area named after the spirit of the dog Hayataro, venerated at the nearby ancient Kozen-ji Temple. Comprising day spas and ten lodging facilities, this hot spring village offers amenities like saunas and open-air baths. The colorless clear waters are known for their soft touch and beautifying properties. The surrounding area is rich in diverse leisure activities, including a ropeway running through the Central Alps and brewery tours.

Nagano is the second-largest producer of soba (buckwheat) in Japan after Hokkaido. With distinct differences in each area, its said that there are some 30 types of Shinshu Soba. Here are a few of the most famous flavors to taste.

One of Japan's three great sobas, characterized by its "botchi-mori" style where bite-sized soba is arranged in a horseshoe shape. Togakushi radish is used as a condiment, and the soba flour includes "hikigurumi," where soba grains are ground with their husks intact.

Kirishita Soba, found at the foot of Mount Asama where the morning mist descends, is one of the major production areas alongside Togakushi and Myoko in Niigata Prefecture. Kurumi Soba, originating from Komoro City, features locally harvested walnuts in its broth.

A bowl where fresh-fried tonkatsu is dredged in a secret sauce and laid on a bed of shredded cabbage and rice. The combination of hot katsu and cold, crunchy cabbage creates an addictively delicious taste.

Sanzoku-yaki, fried chicken marinated in a soy-based sauce flavored with garlic, is a comfort food in the central part of the prefecture including Matsumoto City .

A mixed wheat and buckwheat flour dough is rolled out thinly and stuffed with ingredients like vegetables before heading to the oven. Expect to find this regional dish throughout Nagano Prefecture, commonly eaten as everyday food, and also used for special occasions and offerings during festivals like Obon.

Apricots, a specialty of Chikuma City, are harvested from late June to mid-July. Apart from processed products like jam and puréed apricot juice, there are also various sweets like soft serve ice cream and apricot daifuku!

A winery with its vineyards within a vast premise. The property includes a constantly accessible wine cellar and fields, a free tasting counter, and a shop that offers wine and local products of Nagano Prefecture, allowing visitors to experience wine amidst abundant nature.

In this program, you can experience the making of buckwheat noodles in the Otari style, which uses buckwheat flour made in Otari. Successors of the Otari style of making buckwheat noodles will carefully teach you, so even if you are a beginner, you can feel at ease and savor freshly made fragrant buckwheat noodles.