The only read you’ll need! Nagano Prefecture: a Guide to the Best of all Four Seasons

Shinshu Matsumoto Airport → Airport Shuttle Bus approximately 30 minutes → Matsumoto Bus Terminal → 3 minutes walk → Matsumoto Station → JR Limited Express Shinano approximately 54 minutes → Nagano Station

The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is a popular tourist destination. It is a mountain sightseeing route that spans a total of 37.2 km through the Northern Alps, with a highest point of 2,450 m. Entrances to the route are located in Nagano and Toyama prefectures, at both ends of the route. Ogizawa Station, the entrance to the Nagano Prefecture side of the route, is located in Omachi City. If you start from the station and take six different modes of transportation to tour this route, it will take about 8 hours. It is recommended to stay in Omachi City and enjoy the Alpine Route from the morning.

Matsumoto Castle, built during the Warring States period between 1593 and 1594, is Japan's oldest surviving castle with a five-story, six-floor keep. The castle's striking black and white contrast stands out beautifully against the backdrop of the Alps and is designated as a national treasure. In spring, the castle is adorned with cherry blossoms, creating a picturesque scene like a painting. The ”Yozakura-kai” (night cherry blossom viewing event) is also held, with the Honmaru Garden open to the public for free at night and illuminated beautifully.

Komoro Castle is a unique "hole castle" set lower than the surrounding castle town. The site dates back to the Warring States period, known for its Important Cultural Property-designated structures like the Otemon Gate and the Sannomon Gate. The castle is renowned for its stunning beauty throughout the seasons, but especially in spring for its undeniable allure as one of the Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan. There’s plenty to see inside the park including a zoo, an amusement park and an art museum, making it a one-stop delight for children and adults.

Ueda Castle was built in 1583 by Sanada Masayuki and is known today as an impregnable fortress for twice repelling Tokugawa forces during the first and second Battles of Ueda. The castle's highlights include the South Turret, North Turret, and Eastern Gateway Tower that still stand today. In spring, Somei Yoshino and Weeping Cherry trees bloom profusely, engulfing the castle in a sea of blossoms during the Ueda Castle Thousand Cherry Trees Festival.

Located on the mountainside of Mount Higashi, this park offers a viewpoint where you can overlook the cityscape from within the park. During the period from mid-April to early May every year, cherry blossoms bloom, and against the backdrop of the cherry blossom trees, the snow-capped Northern Alps stretch out, making it a popular spot for photography. The Cherry Blossom Festival is also held, and during this period, the cherry blossoms are illuminated at night, providing a delightful experience.

One of the famous cherry blossom spots in Iida City, "Omiya Street's Cherry Blossom Trees," has many magnificent trees over 300 years old. About 150 cherry trees, including Somei-Yoshino, typically bloom around late March. During this period, night-time light-up is also conducted, attracting viewers with a different ambiance than the daytime.

Once the cherry blossoms are in full seasonal bloom, you won’t want to miss a chance to see them up close from the observation terrace. The spring view of cherry blossoms against a backdrop of Hakuba’s snow-capped mountains is remarkable. In summer, you’ll find the lush greenery of picturesque rural landscape, while autumn brings the splendor of bright foliage before the silvery world of winter wonderland sets in. Each season offers a different backdrop to behold, ensuring you’ll want to visit again and again.

Iiyama City, dotted with rapeseed spots like the Rapeseed Flower Park and Kitaryu Lake, is best enjoyed by cycling. Various routes starting from Iiyama Station are available, allowing one to enjoy a journey by bike while feeling the refreshing spring breeze.

The biggest Wasabi farm started cultivating in 1917. The water of Tadegawa river is pure and 3 watermills are alongside the river, which makes fantastic scenery. The best time to view Wasabi blossoms is from the middle of March to April. A promenade is well prepared so you will enjoy exploring while relaxing around the beautiful scenery of Wasabi farm.

Held annually from May 3rd to 5th during the Golden Week holiday, it's one of the largest hot-air balloon festivals in the prefecture. The sight of colorful balloons flying on the refreshing winds over the Saku highlands is truly breathtaking! In addition to competitive flights, the festival also offers various experiences such as hot-air balloon workshops.