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Tsumago-juku
Tsumago-juku is a historic post town - known as 'juku' or 'shukubamachi' - that once serviced a 70km trade route through the Kiso Valley, part of the greater 500km ‘Nakasendo Road’ that connect...Shiga Kogen Highlands
Located in the north-east of Nagano Prefecture and within the larger Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, Shiga Kogen Highlands covers approximately 30,000ha / 300km². A landscape formed by volcanic erupt...The Sanada Family Residence
The Sanada Residence was built in 1864, prior to the large-scale demolition followed by fire that destroyed Matsushiro Castle. As such, the Sanada Residence is the only remaining building with a dire...Kurobe Dam
Kurobe Dam is the tallest arch dam (186m) in Japan and a popular destination along the famous Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. The structure is a symbol of pride for many Japanese, having required the la...Autumn Leaves of Matsukawa Valley
Known as 'koyo' in Japanese, the autumn leaves of Nagano are an attraction to themselves and there is no better place to view them than the forests and mountains of Matsukawa Valley.As the ...Togakushi ‘Okusha’ (Upper Shrine)
The most important of the five shrines making-up the Togakushi Shrine complex, the 'Okusha' or 'Upper Shrine' is accessed via a 2km trail through the forest. Along the way, visitors pass through the ...Ueda & Bessho Onsen
As the former stronghold of the legendary Sanada clan, Ueda is a place of true historic significance coupled with nostalgia of the more recent past. Any visit to Ueda begins at Ueda Castle Park, wher...Ueda Castle & Yanagimachi
Built in 1583 by Sanada Masayuki, Ueda Castle is renowned as the fortification that allowed the fearsome Sanada clan to twice repel the even more legendary Tokugawa clan – the eventual rulers of Japa...Kusatsu Onsen ‘Yubatake’
Lying in the heart of Kusatsu Onsen, the town’s ‘yubatake’ is an iconic sight, instantly recognisable to most Japanese. Translating as ‘hot water field’, the yubatake is large open-air area over whic...
