[Local Quiz for Seniors] Rediscover the Charms of Nagano! Introducing Famous Tourist Spots and Delicious Local Specialties

Nobeyama Station

Nobeyama Station is located in Minamimaki Village, Minamisaku District, Nagano Prefecture, and is famous as the highest JR station in Japan at an elevation of 1,345.67 meters. It is a station on the JR Koumi Line (Yatsugatake Highland Line) and is also known as a tourist spot visited by many travelers and railway enthusiasts.

Jigokudani Hot Springs

Jigokudani Onsen is a hot spring area in Nagano Prefecture famous for the sight of wild monkeys soaking in the baths. In particular, at the Jigokudani Monkey Park, many tourists gather in winter to see the monkeys relaxing in the hot springs.

Karuizawa

Karuizawa is a premier summer resort representing Nagano Prefecture and has been beloved by many since the Meiji era. Rich in nature and offering attractions such as sightseeing and shopping, it is as famous as Kamikōchi. The town’s annual average temperature is about 9°C; while there are days in summer when temperatures exceed 30°C, a notable feature is that many days are comfortable even in the height of summer.

Apple

Nagano Prefecture ranks second in Japan in apple production after Aomori Prefecture. Taking advantage of its highland climate, it grows sweet and delicious apples. There are also many original Nagano apple varieties, such as Shinano Sweet and Shinano Gold, which were developed in Nagano.

Public unveiling (of a sacred object)

Zenkō-ji’s “Gokaichō” is a major event held once every few years, but every April related ceremonies and special visitations are conducted, making it familiar to many visitors. This event, in which the temple’s principal image is revealed to the public, is one of Nagano Prefecture’s representative traditional festivities.

Northern Alps

The Hida Mountains are a mountain range spanning Nagano Prefecture, Gifu Prefecture, and other areas, and are also known as the Northern Alps. Majestic peaks stretch in succession, and the area is famous for mountaineering and as a tourist destination. The Southern Alps, also called the Akaishi Mountains, are a range that extends across Nagano, Yamanashi, and Shizuoka Prefectures.

Shinshu soba (buckwheat noodles from the Shinshu/Nagano region)

Soba, famous as a local dish of Nagano Prefecture, is known as Shinshu soba. Shinshu is the former name of Nagano, and buckwheat has long been widely cultivated there because the climate—with its large temperature differences—suits it well. Shinshu soba is prized for its rich flavor and smooth texture, making it popular with tourists.