Top 5 Museums in Nagano Prefecture

479-11 Matsushiromachi Nishijo, Nagano, 381-1232, Japan

“Cold, wonderful place to escape the heat and learn history at the same time. Helmet is provided and a map to guide your way through the 10km tunnel. Some say this place is haunted by the labor force but I went during the morning and didn’t witness any psychic activity.”

Yawata, Chikuma, Nagano 387-0023, Japan

“Could be the most isolatingly romantic spot on earth.”

Japan, 〒390-1515 Nagano, Matsumoto, Azumi, 白骨4197-4

“We were so happy to see autumn here. We stayed at Awanoyu for one night and spent the next morning exploring the area. This open-air onsen is public at 520 yen per adult. Having enjoyed onsen at Awanoyu already, we went for this public bath, which is another gem with the view of the river. After this, we walked and drove around Shirahone Onsen for autumn leaves.”

115 Oiwake, Karuizawa, Kitasaku District, Nagano 389-0115, Japan

“The last time I went was a year ago. I'll be back from time to time to review reviews. The best meal was the beef stew, I don't know if it's on the menu now, but I think it was 3800. It is high. That can't be called beef stew. I guess it got worse because I didn't get many orders. From the recent reviews, it seems like the inside of the store has changed quite a bit.”

1792-375 Shibusaki, Suwa, Nagano 392-0010, Japan

“I watched the TV broadcast the day before and drove there the next morning. It was so detailed and careful, but the whole thing was drawn with a bird's eye or an insect's eye, so I could feel the depth and scale.”

1 Chome-21-15 Central, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-0811, Japan

“Interesting place to add to your Matsumoto itinerary. You could spend more or less an hour here before heading to Matsumoto Castle. You can see interesting clocks and most have English descriptions on them. I think all of the time pieces are still working. So you'll definitely learn something to your visit here”

287-5 Nojiri, Shinano, Kamiminochi District, Nagano 389-1303, Japan

“This is a great afternoon stop for the kids. It is a little pricey but not too bad. Our kids loved the interactive area on the first floor. We ended up spending as much time there as the rest of the museum combined. The store has some nice little items as well.”

2 Chome-655-7 Otemachi, Iida, Nagano 395-0034, Japan

“It is also said to be the birthplace of Hishida Shunso, so it has some items in its collection. Since it wasn't a special exhibition, I was able to see it for a cheap price of 310 yen. The volume is just right for those of us who want to visit an art museum while sightseeing. It's attached to a museum, so it's perfect for groups and families to stop by. It's like picking at the parts you like little by little. As you expand your horizons, things you realize and think about will follow. The elegant building is also worth seeing.”

21582 Hokujo, Hakuba, Kitaazumi District, Nagano 399-9301, Japan

“We came before 12:00 . Recommend. Very nice English fluent receptionist told us “ there may be no water in shower” ( same as below review ) although we did. Also told us foreigners with tattoos ok “if you come early when it’s not crowded” Building very old and run down and restaurant “only for hotel guests” but as repeated in below reviews - the view is worth it.”

Japan, 〒381-1231 Nagano, 松代町松代1

“The garden view is amazing! I highly recommend to buy the pass 1100 yen which let you visit three places at your choices.”

Japan, 〒382-0816 Nagano, Kamitakai District, Takayama, 山田温泉3598

“Probably the best place we’ve been in Japan. Really authentic, family owned, extremely gentle and caring staff. If you are looking for a true Japanese experience that’s the place! Bonus: the 80s vibe ✅”

260-6 Yashiro, Chikuma, Nagano 387-0007, Japan

“I visited the building with high expectations as it looked impressive. Too diverse? Perhaps because of this, there were many tactile exhibits, making it feel like a local museum. Since it is a history museum, it is probably a Nagano museum. There was also a set, but the lighting was very dim so it was a bit eerie. Isn't the meaning of creating an atmosphere different? There were a lot of sets to take advantage of the space, but I felt there were fewer explanation panels (because it was dark). Hakone Museum of Life? The lighting was too dark in some areas, so you couldn't see the mirror-finished rock surface at all! I remember.”

3113-1 Usuda, Saku, Nagano 384-0307, Japan

“On October 28, 2023, I visited for the first time in about two years and participated in an event to photograph Saturn with a smartphone. It was crowded on the weekend, but the teacher worked as hard as Shuzo Matsuoka, and we were able to take some beautiful photos, making it a very fun memory (*'-'*) The observation will be done outdoors, and it is already quite cold at night on the mountain, so we recommend that you dress warmly. I've recently become interested in the moon and stars, so I decided to go out and see them. The mountain trail at night was a bit scary, but I had a great time photographing the beautiful waxing moon, observing the Subaru, and the star teacher's explanations. It's a place that makes me want to visit again (^∇^)”