Nagano

Nagano Prefecture is a landlocked prefecture in the Chūbu region of central Japan on Honshu. The capital is Nagano City. The prefecture is dominated by the Japanese Alps, with high peaks, valleys, and numerous hot springs and lakes. Its name derives from Shinano Province, the historical name of the area.

Nagano Prefecture was established during the early Meiji period as part of Japan's modernization and administration reforms. The 1998 Winter Olympics were held in Nagano City and surrounding municipalities, leaving a legacy of sports venues and improved transport connections. The economy combines tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing, with mountain resorts and onsen towns drawing visitors year-round.

Key cultural sites include Zenko-ji Temple in Nagano City, a major pilgrimage site. The region is known for outdoor recreation in winter at resorts such as Hakuba and Nozawa Onsen, and for traditional crafts and foods, including soba noodles and apples. The Kiso Valley and Hakuba Basin are popular for hiking and scenic drives, while the climate varies with elevation from temperate basins to alpine conditions.

Nagano is connected to Tokyo and other regions by the Hokuriku Shinkansen corridor and other JR East lines. Mountain railways and buses serve more remote areas, giving access to resorts, hot springs, and national parks such as the Chūbu-Sangaku and Joshin'etsu Kogen. The prefecture remains a notable destination for winter sports and nature tourism in Japan.