[For Elementary School Students] Nagano Prefecture Local Quiz! Three-Choice Questions to Enjoy Learning About History and Nature

Mount Kisokoma

Komakusa is a small, charming red flower that blooms among rocks in high mountains. It is especially common on high peaks like Mount Kisokoma. Notable for its resilience to heat, cold, and wind, it sinks its roots firmly into rock crevices to bloom. In Nagano Prefecture, its beauty and rarity have earned it designation as the prefectural flower. Spotting it along a mountain trail is a rare and delightful discovery.

Northern Alps

The rock ptarmigan is a bird that loves very cold places. It lives high in the mountains where it stays cool even in summer. The Northern Alps are an area in Nagano Prefecture with many very tall mountains, low temperatures, and expanses of rocks and dwarf stone pines. To protect itself from predators, the rock ptarmigan hides among rocky areas and has a body well adapted to the cold. With this kind of natural environment, the Northern Alps are an important place where the rock ptarmigan can live in safety. For this reason, it is carefully protected as a Natural Monument of Japan.

fuji

Nagano Prefecture, with its cool climate and large temperature differences between day and night, is a place where sweet and delicious apples grow. Among them, the “Fuji” variety is produced in abundance. Fuji apples are characterized by a crisp texture and strong sweetness. Their bright red, beautiful color also makes them popular as gifts.

leafy greens

The vegetable used is a leafy green that is cold-hardy and grows even under snow. The harvested greens are pickled with salt or koji, resulting in a light, refreshing flavor. They are also popular as souvenirs and are enjoyed as a side for rice or with tea. It is an important food that represents Nagano Prefecture’s winter food culture.

Lake Kawaguchi

Lake Kawaguchi is a lake at the foot of Mount Fuji, near the border between Yamanashi and Nagano Prefectures. It is known for its high water clarity and stunning views that reflect Mount Fuji. Around the lake, there are tourist spots and hot springs, and you can enjoy nature-oriented activities such as boating and cycling. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom, and in autumn, the foliage turns vibrant, offering different scenery each season, making it a popular destination for visitors.

wasabi

The Azumino region is known for its pristine water fed by snowmelt from the Northern Alps. Among the vegetables grown using this pure water, wasabi is especially famous. Because wasabi only grows well where cold water flows, Azumino’s spring water is a perfect match. As a traditional Japanese condiment, it is loved both within and outside the prefecture.

yam (Japanese mountain yam)

In the mountainous areas of Nagano Prefecture, the cool climate and clean water are put to use to cultivate plenty of yams. When peeled, yams have a sticky texture and have long been popular for their health benefits, to the point of being called “the grip of longevity.” Because they aid digestion and help build strength, they have been prized as a longevity food.