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[Nagano ]80% of the prefecture is forested! 6 recommended spots to feel the breath of nature

[Nagano ]80% of the prefecture is forested! 6 recommended spots to feel the breath of nature

2022-08-26 Management office

In this article, we will introduce six carefully selected places where you can experience the natural beauty of Nagano Prefecture no matter what time of year you visit: spring, summer, fall, or winter. We hope you will find them useful in planning your trip.
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White Horse Bafang Meiji





Hakuba Village is surrounded by mountains and nature so much so that it is called "Switzerland of the East ". Happo One, which stretches east from Karamatsu-dake in Hakuba Village. It is a very popular place for skiing in winter, trekking and mountain climbing in summer, and viewing the autumn leaves in fall.
For an easy way to enjoy the spectacular view, take the gondola up the 1060-meter elevation gain all the way to the first cairn, Happoike Sanso, at 1830 meters above sea level.
At the end of the gondola, there is a restaurant "Rabbit Flat Terrace "and an open terrace where you can relax and enjoy the view of the mountains that envelop the Shinshu region.

A spectacular view! Scenery of Happoike and Hakuba mountain range



This is "Happoike ", located a short walk from Happoike Villa. If you have time, I highly recommend a visit.
Happo Pond is formed by an accumulation of earth and sand pushed out by snow and is 4.4 meters deep at its deepest point. It is a natural pond created by nature through melting snow and rainwater.
On a clear day, the Hakuba mountain range can be seen reflected on the surface of Happo Pond, providing a mystical and spectacular view.

"Facility Information "
Facility name: Hakuba Yakata Ogan
Place of residence: Kitagusuku, Hakuba Village, Kitayasun, Nagano Prefecture
Phone number: 0261-72-3280
Entrance fee: ¥3,800 (round-trip lift fee) Children under 6 years old are free
URL:https://www.happo-one.jp/

Kakegi Valley



Kakigai Valley is said to be one of the most beautiful valleys in the Kisoji area.
Because it is a scenic spot where huge rocks that fill a deep valley gently curve and weave into beautiful waterfalls and pools. It is also a popular destination for locals, as they can enjoy azaleas and rhododendrons in spring and autumn leaves in fall. Because of the long distance of Kakiqi Valley, accommodations and cabs are available along the way. Those who want to enjoy Kakiqi Valley to the fullest can stay overnight and have fun. If you are short on time, you can take a cab and enjoy the beautiful and varied scenery of the valley. You can enjoy this spot according to your travel plans.

A must-see! Ushigataki Falls with a drop of 25 meters!



One of the best spots in Kakitani Valley is "Ushigataki Waterfall ".
It is a bit of a hike up the mountain to get to this waterfall, but after a strenuous climb, you will be rewarded with a spectacular view with a 25-meter drop. In addition, "Ushigataki Waterfall "is not only powerful but also attractive with its beautiful emerald green water. It is recommended to fully enjoy the toughness and beauty of nature.

A bridge that blends in with the landscape!



There are also other bridges along the way in Kakikoti Canyon: "Koiro no Suspension Bridge "
Although the suspension bridge is not that high up, the sight of hearing the murmur of the river up close as you make your way into the forest ahead is truly an adventurer's delight.
Please enjoy it as one of the elements to enjoy the valley while traveling.

"Facility Information "
Facility name: Kakegi Valley
Address: Nagiso-cho, Kiso-gun, Nagano Prefecture
Phone number: 0264-57-2001 (Nagiso Town Tourist Association)
URL:https://nagiso.jp/

Togakushi Shrine



Togakushi Shrine is known as a power spot famous for its mountain worship. Located in the Myoko Togakushi Mountain Range National Park, Togakushi Shrine's inner shrine is surrounded by vast forests and large trees.
The approach to the shrine, which is lined with these large trees, is surrounded by a mysterious space, a sight that explains why it is said to be a power spot.

Entrance to the World of Silence "Zujimon Gate "



Follow the approach to the approach road lined with large trees to reach "Zujimon ".
"Suishinmon (Suishin Gate) "is located approximately halfway along the approach to Okusha Shrine. It is also built with a thatched roof, reminding us of the depth of history of the era. Since cars are not allowed to enter from here, passing through the gate leads to another row of cedar trees more than 400 years old, providing an entrance to a world of tranquility.

Seasonally fascinating power spots



Visiting during the fresh green season is recommended, but the winter scenery is also outstanding.
The entire area is a world of silver and white, interspersed in places with the vermilion of the Zuijinmon Gate and green accents, creating a unique landscape.

"Facility Information "
Facility Name: Togakushi Shrine
Address: 3506 Togakushi Nakasha, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture
Phone number: 026-254-2001
URL:https://www.togakushi-jinja.jp/

Kamikochi Tashiroike



Kamikochi is one of the most famous tourist spots in Nagano Prefecture. The recommended point in that Kamikochi is here "Tashiro Pond ".
Tashiro Pond is a shallow pond formed by sediment from Hachiemon-zawa and other streams. After passing through the forests that weave through the Kamikochi region, a marshland with open spaces spreads out.
Tashiro Pond, which beautifully reflects the sky and the seasonal mountains, stands quietly. "Many people say that Tashiro Pond is the best place "to view the mountains of Hotaka.

Mysterious late autumn fog and ice!



The fresh green season was filled with colorful scenery, but I also recommend going there in late fall.
Tashiro Pond is filled with subsoil water from Mt. 600 and Mt.
The pond reflects the mountains in white, and the surrounding trees are covered with icicles, creating a fantastic all-white world that is breathtaking!

"Facility Information "
Facility name: Kamikochi Tashiroike
Address: Azumi-Kamikochi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture
Phone number: 0263-95-2433 (Kamikochi Information Center)
URL:https://www.kamikochi.or.jp/

Thunderdome





Thunder Falls is a waterfall over the main stream of Matsukawa River and has an abundance of water. The waterfall, which cascades down from a height of about 30 meters, is a sight to behold. It is a popular spot for viewing the autumn leaves and is well known among locals.
Thunder Falls is also known as "Urami no Taki ". This is because it is an unusual waterfall that can be viewed from the back.
When viewing the backside of the waterfall, it is well paved and safe, making it a spot that can be enjoyed by men and women of all ages.

Up-close view of icicles!



When you go to see waterfalls in winter, there are often spots where you can see frozen waterfalls from a distance, but at Thunder Falls, you can pass through the back side of the falls and see huge icicles up close.
You will definitely be drawn into the world of ice, as it is a fantastic space where time seems to have stopped! It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes as the footing is slippery.

"Facility Information "
Facility name: Thunder Falls
Address: Okuyamada, Takayama-mura, Kamitakai-gun, Nagano Prefecture
Phone number: 026-242-1122
URL:https://shinshu-takayama-onsenkyo.com/facility/kaminaridaki/

Shakusonji Temple Fubiki Kannon



This is the Nunobiki Kannon of Shakuson-ji Temple, which stands on a cliff. It is also a popular spot for cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall. No matter how you look at it, the view is breathtaking, as it protrudes from the cliff and is exquisitely balanced. And the combination of the structure, cherry blossoms, and autumn leaves is sure to be a photogenic sight!
"Shakonji Temple is said to be the birthplace of the legend of the Zenkoji Temple visit "pulled by an ox. It is recommended that you wear comfortable shoes to get to this temple, as it is a bit of a hiking trail.

A masterpiece! A pathway hollowed out of a rock



The path leading to the Kannon-do hall is carved out of a huge rock and flanked by a gomado, which is attached to the rock.
The construction of the Kannon-do is amazing, but this is a recommended spot because passing this way will give you a renewed sense of the greatness of our predecessors.
There are many other sights along the trail, including rocks shaped like oxen and horses and a wooden Buddha statue.

The view from Kannon-do is also outstanding!



After about 15 minutes of climbing, you will arrive at the Kannon-do Temple. The atmosphere is different from that seen from afar, and since it is located on a precipitous cliff, you will feel as if you are floating in midair.
It is also a power spot.

"Facility Information "
Name: Shakusonji Fubiki Kannon (Goddess of Mercy)
Address: 2250 Okubo, Komoro City, Nagano Prefecture
Phone number: 0267-22-1700
URL:http://www.kanko.komoro.org/midokoro/nunobiki.html

summary

Nagano Prefecture has many spots where you can feel the depth of its history, which cannot be described without the magnificent nature. If you enjoy the beauty created by nature and the scenery where you can feel the power of nature, we recommend the six choices we have introduced. Please add them to your enjoyable travel plans and feel the natural beauty of Nagano Prefecture.

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