National Parks & Highlands in Nagano
Nagano Prefecture is a treasure trove of majestic mountain ranges, alpine plateaus, and protected national parks. From the towering Japanese Alps to serene highland marshlands, this region offers some of the most breathtaking nature experiences in Japan. Whether you're a hiker, nature lover, or photographer, these parks are not to be missed.
📝 Personal Note on National Parks & Highlands
I haven’t had the chance to visit all of the highland areas listed in this section — not yet, at least. But they’re places that I’ve been reading about, bookmarking, and dreaming of exploring for quite some time.
Each of these spots caught my attention for different reasons: their natural beauty, the peaceful atmosphere they seem to offer, or the unique landscapes that set them apart. While I can’t speak from personal experience just yet, I truly believe they are worth including in this guide.
I plan to visit them in the near future and will be sure to update this section with my own insights and stories once I do. Until then, I hope you’ll find them as inspiring and intriguing as I have.
Wishing you an unforgettable journey through Nagano’s highlands —
🌿 National Parks & Highlands
🏞️ Chūbu-Sangaku National Park (Kamikōchi)
Located deep within the Northern Japanese Alps, Chūbu-Sangaku National Park is home to some of the most stunning mountain scenery in Japan — and the Kamikōchi area is often referred to as its crown jewel. Surrounded by dramatic peaks like Mt. Hotaka and Mt. Yake, Kamikōchi offers an otherworldly experience of alpine beauty.
The area is only open to the public from late April to mid-November to preserve its fragile environment. During this time, you can enjoy flat, accessible hiking trails along the Azusa River, serene marshlands, and incredible views of the surrounding mountains. Cars aren’t allowed directly into Kamikōchi, but you can easily reach it via bus or taxi from Shin-Shimashima Station (connected by train from Matsumoto).
📍 How to Get There ( Kamikochi Area)
🚆 Train + Bus:
Take the Kamikōchi Line from Matsumoto Station to Shin-Shimashima Station (approx. 30 min).
From there, transfer to an Alpico bus bound for Kamikōchi (approx. 60 min).
Note: Private cars are not allowed in Kamikōchi. You must take a bus or taxi from the designated parking areas.
🚗 How to Get There:
By Car:
Utsukushigahara is best accessed by car. From Matsumoto City, it’s about a 60-minute drive via the Venus Line, a scenic mountain road.By Bus (Summer Only):
During summer (typically July–September), there are limited seasonal buses from Ueda Station and Matsumoto Station to Utsukushigahara Highland or the Open-Air Museum. Check local bus timetables in advance as services are infrequent.
⛰️ Yatsugatake Mountains
The Yatsugatake mountain range straddles the border of Nagano and Yamanashi, offering a scenic blend of volcanic peaks, peaceful highlands, and traditional alpine villages. Unlike the rugged Japanese Alps, Yatsugatake is ideal for gentle trekking, flower-filled meadows, and panoramic views that stretch across central Honshu. Towns like Nobeyama, Tateshina, and Kiyosato make great bases for exploring — whether you’re hiking, stargazing, or soaking in a mountain onsen. In autumn, the region bursts into brilliant reds and golds.
🚉 How to Get There – Yatsugatake Mountains
The Yatsugatake Mountains stretch across Nagano and Yamanashi prefectures, and access will depend on which part of the range you're visiting — popular bases include Kiyosato, Kobuchizawa, Chino, and Tateshina.
🛤️ From Tokyo:
Train Option (Most Convenient):
Take the JR Chuo Line (Limited Express Azusa or Kaiji) from Shinjuku Station to Kobuchizawa Station (~2 hours).From Kobuchizawa, you can access areas like Kiyosato, Yatsugatake Resort Outlets, or take local buses into the highlands.
Alternatively, continue to Chino Station on the JR Chuo Line to access Tateshina Highlands, Lake Shirakaba, and nearby hiking trails.
🌄 Utsukushigahara Highlands
Utsukushigahara is a scenic highland plateau located east of Matsumoto City, famous for its expansive grasslands, cool breezes, and wide-open skies. This area offers peaceful walking trails with panoramic views of the surrounding Japanese Alps and even Mount Fuji on clear days. One of its most unique features is the Utsukushigahara Open-Air Museum, which displays over 350 contemporary sculptures set against a backdrop of rolling hills — blending art with nature in a truly memorable way.
It's a great destination for those looking to escape the heat of the lowlands during summer or enjoy seasonal flowers and highland serenity.
🏔️ Myōkō-Togakushi Renzan National Park
This stunning national park blends rugged alpine beauty with deep spiritual history, stretching across the mountainous regions of Nagano and Niigata Prefectures. The park is famous for its volcanic peaks, dense forests, and clear lakes. One of its most iconic areas is Togakushi, renowned for its ancient cedar-lined pilgrimage trail that connects five sacred Shinto shrines: Hokosha, Hinomiya, Chusha, Kuzuryusha, and Okusha.
Visitors come to experience the mystical ambiance of the forest paths, especially the majestic approach to Okusha Shrine, flanked by towering 400-year-old cedar trees. Mount Myōkō (2,454 m), one of Japan’s 100 famous mountains, offers hiking in summer and skiing in winter. Autumn brings stunning foliage, turning the forested hills into a canvas of red and gold.
🚍 How to Get There:
From Tokyo:
Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station – about 1.5 hours.
From Nagano Station to Togakushi:
At Nagano Station, transfer to an Alpico Kōtsū bus bound for Togakushi. Get off at either Togakushi Chūsha (for the central shrine) or Okusha Iriguchi (for the upper shrine trailhead).
The bus ride takes about 60 minutes and buses depart roughly once per hour.
🍃 Tsugaike Nature Park (Tsugaike Shizen-en)
Nestled high above Hakuba, Tsugaike Nature Park is a tranquil alpine wetland sanctuary, ideal for families, photographers, and casual nature walkers. The park features boardwalk trails that wind through marshlands, alpine meadows, and rare plant ecosystems. In summer, the area bursts into color with wildflowers, and in autumn, the landscape glows with fiery reds and golds.
The park is located at an altitude of around 1,900 meters, offering refreshing mountain air and sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. Unlike more strenuous mountain hikes, Tsugaike Nature Park is easy to navigate, making it perfect for all ages.
🚠 How to Get There:
From Tokyo: Take the Shinkansen to Nagano, then a bus/train to Hakuba (~2.5 hrs total).
From Hakuba: Take a bus or taxi to Tsugaike Kōgen (~30–40 min).
Then: Ride the Tsugaike Ropeway to reach the park entrance.