Founded more than 1,400 years ago, Zenkoji Temple is one of Japan’s most important Buddhist sites and has welcomed pilgrims from across the country for centuries. The temple is known for enshrining a sacred Buddhist image believed to be among the first brought to Japan. Visitors can explore the impressive main hall and lively approach lined with traditional shops while experiencing the spiritual atmosphere that continues to shape Nagano’s cultural identity today.

Obuse is a charming town known for its beautifully preserved streets, traditional merchant houses, and rich cultural heritage. As you stroll through the town, you will discover local shops, historic architecture, and a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the prosperity of this former merchant town. Walking through Obuse offers an opportunity to experience everyday life, local craftsmanship, and the cultural character that has made the town a beloved destination.

The Hokusai Kan showcases the life and artistic achievements of Katsushika Hokusai, one of Japan’s most celebrated artists. Through paintings, sketches, and rotating exhibitions, visitors can explore the creativity and innovation that made Hokusai famous around the world. The museum also highlights his deep connection with Obuse, where he spent part of his later years creating some of his most remarkable masterpieces.

Kozan Takai was a wealthy merchant, scholar, and cultural patron who played a key role in shaping Obuse’s cultural identity. The museum preserves his former residence and introduces the intellectual and artistic exchanges that flourished there during the late Edo period. Visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the environment that attracted artists such as Hokusai and helped transform Obuse into a center of culture and creativity.

Ganshoin Temple is famous for its magnificent ceiling painting of a phoenix created by Katsushika Hokusai in his late eighties. Considered one of his greatest achievements, the artwork remains in its original location and can still be admired today. Surrounded by a peaceful natural setting, the temple offers a unique opportunity to appreciate both Japanese spirituality and one of the masterpieces of late Edo-period art.

Jigokudani Monkey Park is one of Japan’s most famous wildlife destinations, known for its population of wild Japanese macaques. Located in a mountainous valley surrounded by forests, the park offers visitors the rare opportunity to observe monkeys living freely in their natural environment. The sight of the macaques gathering around the hot spring area has become an iconic symbol of Nagano and provides a fascinating glimpse into the relationship between wildlife and the region’s natural landscape.

Togakushi Chusha Shrine is the central shrine of the Togakushi Shrine complex and has long been an important place of worship for travelers, pilgrims, and local residents. Surrounded by towering cedar trees and a peaceful mountain landscape, the shrine is known for its impressive wooden architecture and deep connection to Japanese mythology. Visitors can experience the spiritual atmosphere of Togakushi while learning about the traditions and beliefs that have shaped this sacred mountain region for centuries.

Togakushi Okusha Shrine is the most sacred site within the Togakushi Shrine complex. The approach to the shrine passes through a breathtaking avenue of towering cedar trees that has become one of Nagano’s most iconic landscapes. Walking this historic path offers a memorable experience of nature, spirituality, and tradition, leading visitors to a shrine that has been revered for more than a thousand years.

Tonkururin is an outdoor adventure facility where visitors can enjoy activities surrounded by the forests of Togakushi. Set within a beautiful natural environment, it offers a fun and active way to experience the region beyond its historical and religious sites. The facility provides opportunities to connect with nature while enjoying the fresh mountain air and peaceful atmosphere of northern Nagano.

Kagamiike Pond is one of Togakushi’s most scenic locations, famous for its calm waters that reflect the surrounding mountains and forests like a mirror. The area offers beautiful views throughout the year and is a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers. The tranquil setting provides a perfect opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere of the Togakushi region.