Nagano Prefecture

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About Nagano Prefecture

A beautiful part of Japan, the Nagano Prefecture has become increasingly popular with visitors looking to escape Tokyo for the weekend. Just a few hours from the city by train, it’s a brilliant retreat for keen hikers, bird watchers and traditional spa-goers. The region is also home to some bustling cities of its own. Nagano, once a temple town, gained fame in hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics, whilst Matsumoto is best known for its striking castle. Many of the best places to stay in the Nagano Prefecture are clustered around Matsumoto, but our Gurus have also highlighted some superb rural hideaways.

Built around the imposing Buddhist Zenkoji Temple, Nagano expanded during the 20th century to encompass a number of nearby towns. The Winter Olympics fuelled further growth in and around the city, which continues to act as the gateway to the forested mountains which hide ancient Shinto shrines, bubbling hot springs and an abundance of bird life. Spend your days trekking, mountain biking and bird watching, or sinking into healing onsens after savouring delicious regional specialities.

Togakushi Village is another highlight. Don’t miss touring Togakushi Shrine or the Togakushi Folk Museum whilst in the area. Matsumoto, with its Museum of Art as well as the Ukiyoe Museum and a plethora of antique shops, is charming and well worth a day trip or romantic overnight stay. Boat trips on scenic Lake Kagami are also fabulous, and easily arranged through the best places to stay in Nagano Prefecture.

The Best Places to Stay in Nagano Prefecture

For City Style

  • Buena Vista is a sleek city hotel in Matsumoto with 190 smart, contemporary rooms. Expect impressive views of the Japanese Alps, superb Japanese and international fare at five restaurants, meeting spaces and bicycles for exploring the city on two wheels. Ideal for business travellers.
  • Hotel Tamanoyu has 17 minimalist rooms with big cosy beds and low dining tables. The best have private hot spring baths, perfect for long soaks. The restaurant serves fantastic regional dishes. A boutique base for couples in search of seclusion and authenticity on the edge of Matsumoto.

For Rural Luxury

  • Fujiso is a beautiful rural retreat with glorious mountain views from traditional guest rooms with tatami mat floors and tranquil balconies. The best rooms have private onsens — in addition to the shared onsen — and the restaurant serves light regional fare. A romantic escape for adults looking for luxury.
  • Tobira Onsen Myojinkan is a luxurious retreat in the Yatsugatake National Park. Choose from 45 Japanese or Western-style rooms and suites, savour delectable French and Japanese fare, and spend your days hiking, wild swimming or kick back at the soothing spa. Gorgeous and romantic.
  • Keiryuso Siorie, set close to the River Azusa, will delight nature lovers, Leafy gardens frame hot spring baths and walking paths, and promise lovely views. Traditional rooms have woven tatami flooring, futons and low tables — many offer additional space for little ones. You're an hour from some great skiing at Norikura.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR COTTAGE

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

  • Fly to Tokyo's Haneda International Airport or to Narita International Airport and travel into Nagano or the wider Nagano Prefecture by train via Shinjuku Station. The journey should take under three hours by rail.
  • The Nagano region is wonderful to explore by road! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Summers are warm, with temperatures hovering between 22 and 28°C, whilst spring brings the world-famous cherry blossoms: this is the best time to visit. For a quieter trip and great hotel deals, we'd recommend travelling in early autumn. Winters are cosy but cold and ideal for skiiing in the mountains.

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Best Hotels in Nagano Prefecture

  • Buena Vista Matsumoto (Nagano) 190 rooms from $129

    Buena Vista
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    Cycling  -  Hire bicycles to zip around the area on two wheels, or to explore the forested landscape on leafy trails
    Local exploring  -  Located in the heart of the city within easy reach of attractions such as Matsumoto Castle
    Museums  -  The Matsumoto City Museum of Art offers a regular series of fascinating exhibitions
    Business meetings  -  A smart city choice with meeting rooms and events spaces aplenty
    Air conditioningRestaurantViewsParkingNo pets

    A sleek hotel located in the heart of the city. Simply dressed rooms are all white on white with crisp linen and large windows, the best of which have views onto the Japan Alps. A range of restaurants offer everything from Japanese to French cuisines. A chic base to explore the city from. See More

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  • Hotel Tamanoyu Matsumoto (Nagano) 17 rooms from $143

    Hotel Tamanoyu
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    Local exploring  -  Within walking distance - or just a short drive - to many of the city's main attractions, including the Kissei Cultural Hall
    Total relaxation  -  Boasting both indoor and outdoor hot spring baths and in-room massage chairs, this is a relaxing base
    Hotel Entertainment  -  Live performances of traditional music and cultural shows in the lounge-bar are a highlight
    Museums  -  Visit the fascinating Kaichi School Museum and the Matsumoto City Museum of Art
    Air conditioningRestaurantGardenDisabled accessParkingNo pets

    A boutique property offering contemporary Japanese style. Smart rooms are minimalist in design with enormous windows, sink-into western beds, low level dining tables and the best have hot spring baths. The restaurant serves up superlative regional dishes. A chic city base. See More

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  • Keiryuso Siorie Matsumoto 8 rooms from $430

    Keiryuso Siorie
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    Families  -  Various children's amenities are available to rent such as a children's tablet and baby chair, as well as kid's meals provided
    Total relaxation  -  Relax in the indoor and outdoor hot spring baths; the private bath is available for reservations if preferred
    Traditional  -  Authentic interiors, with woven tatami flooring, futons and Japenese seating area
    Restaurant  -  Kaiseki cuisine with shinshu ingredients served for dinner, along with a traditional Japenese breakfast in the mornings
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    A charming hotel in the foothills of the alps close to River Azusa. Rooms offer traditional Japanese décor with woven tatami flooring, futons and soft colourings; some have private outdoor onsens. Leafy gardens, indoor/outdoor hot-spring baths and tranquil surroundings make this the perfect escape. See More

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  • Tobira Onsen Myojinkan Matsumoto (Matsumoto-shi) 45 rooms from $611

    Tobira Onsen Myojinkan
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    Great walks  -  Take a scenic stroll along the Usukawa River, where you'll find benches to perch and contemplate your tranquil surroundings
    Romantic Break  -  A wonderful setting, great cuisine and lovely accommodation - ideal for a romantic getaway
    Total relaxation  -  Tobira Onsen Myojinkan enjoys a wonderfully serene rural location in a nature reserve
    Other Activities  -  Visits to wineries and wasabi farms are wonderful ways to discover the area
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantGardenViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Relais & Chateaux, Kiwi Collection

    The tranquil Tobira Onsen Myojinkan is located a few miles outside Matsumoto. Choose between Japanese or Western-style rooms and suites, enjoy a range of traditional kaiseki, modern Japanese and French cuisine at the restaurant, or unwind at the spa. A fabulous retreat with beautiful onsens. See More

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  • Fujiiso Nagano Prefecture 19 rooms from $625

    Fujiiso
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    Views  -  Take in the mountains of Joshinetsu Kogen from the open air bath (fed by waters from the hot spring)
    Total relaxation  -  Take a dip in the soothing waters of the onsen and enjoy their therapeutic powers
    Hills & mountains  -  Be blown away by the gorgeous horizons of the Joshinetsu Kogen mountains
    Groups  -  The largest rooms can sleep up to five so are ideal for small groups
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    Far from the bustle of Takayama city, Fujiiso offers inviting, traditionally styled rooms with tatami mat floors and stunning views of the mountains; the best feature balconies and suites have a private onsen. Fresh local cuisine and a communal onsen too. A tranquil alpine retreat. See More

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