2026 Chikuma Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in May)

If you're looking for a peaceful and genuinely stunning spot in Japan, be sure to save this one: Togurajuku Sakura Care Park. This was hands down one of the highlights of my trip—hundreds of blooming cherry trees surrounded by mountains, with a vibe that feels like a well-kept secret away from mass tourism. We visited in mid-April right at peak bloom. The park is just a short distance from Togura Station. The official walking time is about 20 minutes, but if you're taking your time, snapping photos, and tackling the uphill sections, you should probably budget up to an hour. The hike up is 100% worth it: the top treats you to spectacular views of the city, the mountains, and cotton-candy clouds of pink cherry blossoms. It's the kind of place where you just want to slow down, wander, photograph every little trail, and soak it all in. Pro tip: wear comfy shoes, bring plenty of water, and try to visit during the day when the sunlight hits the trees and mountains just right. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing stroll, gorgeous photography, and experiencing Japan without the tourist hordes. I highly recommend it to any traveler looking to go beyond the usual tourist traps and discover the real, quiet, and breathtakingly beautiful side of Japan.

There are tons of hot springs in Nagano, but this time we chose Togura Kamiyamada Onsen Tamanoyu. After applying some coupons, it came out to 💰44,000 yen for 2 people, including a one-night stay and two meals 👍🏻 👉🏻 As soon as we pulled into the parking lot, the staff was already there to greet us and help with our luggage 👍🏻. After a quick introduction to the hotel, we headed to our room. This time, we stayed in the "Bishotei" detached guest room with a private open-air bath. We happened to get Room 110, which was the closest one. The room features a small private garden and an ♨️ open-air bath 🙂 ♨️ The large public bath is on the 5th floor, though it isn't very big. They do have a free drink dispenser (tea and apple juice) and free foot massage machines 👍🏻 🥢 Dinner was served in a private dining room with a great variety of dishes. The aperitif was delicious, and the meal included everything from abalone, shrimp, and conch to fish, pork, and beef. The portions were generous and everything tasted fantastic 👍🏻 🥢 Breakfast was also served in a private room. It was a standard traditional Japanese breakfast, though it felt like a lot less food compared to the massive dinner 🤣 ☕️ In the morning, the lounge offers complimentary drinks (milk, orange juice, apple juice, and coffee)

#hellohalloween Located in Chikuma City, the Nagano Prefectural Museum of History offers a captivating journey through the cultural and historical development of Nagano and Japan’s central highlands. Surrounded by scenic mountains, the museum blends thoughtful architecture with insightful exhibits that explore the region’s deep human heritage — from prehistoric settlements to modern life. Inside, you’ll find rich displays of archaeological artifacts, ancient pottery, samurai-era tools, and traditional crafts, all tracing how people lived and thrived in Nagano through changing times. The museum’s highlight is its focus on the Haniwa (clay figures) and Jomon-era relics, which reveal the creativity and spirituality of Japan’s earliest cultures. Interactive models and reconstructed village scenes bring these histories vividly to life. Beyond its exhibits, the Nagano Prefectural Museum of History also connects with the nearby Mori Shogunzuka Kofun, a large burial mound offering insight into early Japanese power and belief systems. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a curious traveler, this museum offers a thoughtful and beautifully curated experience — one that bridges the ancient and modern spirit of Nagano with quiet grace.

The apricot trees spread across the mountain slopes, creating a spectacular view! The 2025 Apricot Festival has ended, but there are apricot flowers blooming all over the city, so it's great to see them while driving. After the flowers bloom, you can see the beautiful fruit as a spectacular sight. The best time to see the fruit is from late June to mid-July 🍊 The apricot soft serve ice cream was sweet and sour and very delicious 😋 There were also many souvenirs made with apricots ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~🫧~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Apricot Village 📍1406-1 Mori, Chikuma City, Nagano Prefecture 🚌11 minutes by taxi/shuttle bus or 55 minutes on foot from Yashiro Station on the Shinano Railway 🚗13 minutes from Sarashoku IC 🌸Late March to early April ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~🫧~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 💫Apricot flowers bloom a little earlier than cherry blossoms 💫There are apricot trees all over the city 💫There is a flyer for discounts on apricot soft serve ice cream at Agri Park 💫It's nice to see them while driving 💫The fruit grows from late June to mid-July ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~🫧~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *This information is current, so please check it out before you go! Photo date: 2025/4 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~🫧🫧🫧~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ #Seasonal event #Nagano sightseeing #Apricot Village #Amazing spring scenery #Amazing flowers #Apricot

📝 Overview "Anzu no Sato" in Chikuma City, Nagano Prefecture, is known as the number one apricot producing area in Japan. In spring, apricot flowers bloom all over the mountain, creating a beautiful landscape that looks like a pink carpet. The spectacular view, also known as "100,000 flowers at a glance," attracts visitors and is a popular spot among photography enthusiasts. ✨ Recommended points · Pink spectacular view · The apricot flowers blooming all over the mountain are overwhelmingly beautiful. · The view that looks like a pink carpet can only be seen here. · Anzu no Sato Sketch Park · A park that recreates the original apricot landscape, where you can enjoy the good old Japanese scenery. · The park also has a firefly waterway and a well, making it perfect for a stroll. · Apricot Festival · The "Apricot Festival" is held during the flowering season, and you can enjoy various events and stalls. · Local specialties and souvenirs are also available for purchase. 👀Here's what you should pay attention to! · View from the observation deck · From the observation deck on high ground, you can get a spectacular view of the apricot flower fields and the snow-capped mountains. · The view from Kamidaira Observatory is particularly spectacular, and is known as "a hundred thousand trees at a glance." · Anzu no Sato Agri Park · You can enjoy seasonal fruit picking, such as strawberry picking and mandarin orange picking. · You can enjoy strawberry picking during the apricot flower season. · History and culture · The area around Anzu no Sato is dotted with spots where you can feel the history and culture, such as ancient tombs and historical parks. · We recommend sightseeing in the area along with seeing the apricot flowers. 🌸Usually best viewing time · Late March to early April ℹ️Information · Address: Mori, Chikuma City, Nagano Prefecture · Access: · About 15 minutes by taxi from JR Yashiro Station · About 20 minutes from Koshoku IC on the Nagano Expressway · Opening hours: Open 24 hours · Fee: Free 🚗Sightseeing information in the area · Anzu no Sato Agri Park: A tourist farm where you can enjoy strawberry picking and mandarin orange picking. · Kano no Sato Historical Park: A historical park with ancient tombs and a historical museum. · Nagano Prefectural Museum of History: A museum that displays materials related to the history of Nagano Prefecture. 🖋️Summary Anzu no Sato is a recommended spot in spring where you can enjoy a spectacular pink view and various activities. Be sure to visit once and be soothed by the apricot flowers. #Seasonal places in Japan #Sakura2025

Fukumanro Chinese Restaurant in Chikuma City, Nagano Prefecture The set meal pictured here comes with ramen, large fried chicken, rice, salad, and more—a whopping 1,180 yen! 👀 I was surprised by the portion size and deliciousness! 😳 The fried chicken was as big as my fist, the ramen was a generous serving, and, best of all, it was delicious! They also have a different lunch menu, so be sure to check it out! 😊 #0YenTravelJanuary2025 📍Address: 1644-1 Kamimachi, Togura, Chikuma City, Nagano Prefecture, 389-0804

#2024 Trip Review **Chikuchuan Observation Park** 2024 is coming to an end. I went to many places this year. One of the most memorable to me was the Chikuchuan! Transportation: It is very convenient to take the train. Introduction: This river is beautiful and long, suitable for walking and cycling.

#2024 Travel Review **Auntie Shed Field** 2024 is coming to an end. I went to many places this year. One of the most memorable to me is the auntie! Transportation: Easily accessible by bus. Introduction: The terraced views here are spectacular, especially in the autumn season, giving a sense of rural beauty and harmony.

Togura Station in Nagano Prefecture is an intermediate station on the Ueda Electric Railway Bessho Line, and is known as the gateway to Togura Onsen town. The surrounding area is rich in nature, and many tourists visit to enjoy the hot springs and beautiful scenery. Not far from the station is Karakoro Footbath, a spot you can easily stop by in between walks. This footbath uses natural hot spring water from Togura Onsen, and is popular for its relaxing atmosphere as it warms tired feet. The footbath is free to use, so it's a must-stop spot when you're strolling around the hot spring town. #NaganoPrefectureTourism #0YenTravelAutumn

Mori Shogunzuka Kofun Museum in Chikuma City, Nagano Prefecture It is one of the famous places in Nagano, and you can learn about the historical excavation of this ancient tomb. The history museum is also nearby, so I recommend visiting both✨️ Next to Mori Shogunzuka Kofun Museum, on the ridge of Ariakeyama, there is a restored keyhole-shaped tomb, the largest in Nagano Prefecture, and we were able to enter it🙆♀️ The view from here was great, so please go and check it out✨️ 📍Address: 29-1 Yashiro, Chikuma City, Nagano Prefecture 387-0007 #0 Yen Travel Autumn

#train Maybe you have taken the Chuo Line Shinoi Line Tetsu Shinano from Nagoya to Nagoya. And know which will pass through the three major car windows in Japan But this limited express train will not stop at this station. The only stops are ordinary trains. So few travelers probably know what's special about this Ai Chee Station. Of course you can't miss the beautiful scenery of the platform Most especially because the station is built on a hill And this section of the Shinoi Line is another section of the big slope to overcome the relationship between high and low differences. The train to Matsumoto has to reverse into the station To go to Nagano, you have to reverse out of the station That means doing a change of direction switch back anyway You might as well pay attention while looking at the scenery. Only the Shinoi Line regular trains and holiday express sightseeing trains will stop. #NaganoPrefecture #AkiStation #Switch back

#Naturalscapes Auntie Shed Field, known as the land of the moon It is a sight of the important culture of Japan All rice is grown here in the summer. There are about 1500 fields in total Because the sea is five or six hundred meters So in front of you, in the field, in the distance are Chiku City and Nagano City City Street It feels so far and so close. Looking at the rice fields is summer, once autumn and winter are harvested, there is nothing. The nearest JR Auntie Station The special express does not stop, only regular trains stop. It takes about an hour to leave from Matsumoto, which is closer to Nagano. Because there is a train every hour, the time must be correct. About an hour’s walk along the shed fields is good enough. It is not recommended to drive there because there are almost no places where you can park. Remember not to go into the field of the field while taking pictures! #Nagano Prefecture #Auntie #Tada

Obasute station is located at Nagano, 30mins from Nagano station, 45mins from Matsumoto station by Shinonoi line. This station is popular for it's breathtaking view and important for switchback. Both daytime and night time is recommended. The air in this area is very clean, you can see the twinkling night view from here. The station name Obasute stands for the Japanese old superstition. One upon a time,there was a rule to throw away elderly people over 60 set by the king of this area. Everyone throw away them in the mountain, the mountain called Obasute. There was a family in the town, the mother finally reached 60. However, the son could not throw away his mother. He made the underground room for her and lived together. After a few years, the other country said that make a rope with ash, otherwise start the war. The king did not have the idea and asked him. He asked his mother and she came up with the idea to make a rope first, then put it in the salt water and burn it. He brought this idea to the king and he was satisfied. When he got to know that the idea was by his mother over 60, he stopped to let people throw away their parents.

A village where you can see tens of thousands of beautiful apricots blooming. 📍Anzu no Sato Anzu no Sato is spread out on a gentle mountain slope at an altitude of 380-450m, making it easy to see, and it was so beautiful to see it in full bloom✨ If you go to the "Kamihira Observatory" on the hilltop or "Kuboyama Observatory Park", you can see even more beautiful views...! The viewing period varies depending on the weather, but it seems that you can see it beautifully around early to mid-March every year✨ The apricot soft serve ice cream🍦 was also very delicious☺️ 【INFORMATION】 Anzu no Sato 📮Mori 1220, Chikuma City, Nagano Prefecture #Nagano Tourism #Nagano Trip #Travel with Me

It was very good for me, the accommodation was clean and the staff provided good service.

|The perfect combination of Showa and modern times. 🙋Hotel tips: 🍃🏞️A residence deep in the mountains🏡, as if hiding some kind of magic✨. As soon as you step into this hotel🚪, the atmosphere of the Showa era🎎 will rush towards you. At the same time, modern services🔔 and facilities🛁 ensure the comfort😌 of every guest👥. 🍃🛁Guests can choose to soak in a luxurious open-air hot spring🌌, where the light aroma of sulfur🌫️ not only relaxes the body and mind💆, but also has the magical effect of restoring vitality🌟. The quality of the hot spring is unique. Not only is the temperature moderate🌡️, but the water is also very clear💧. In addition, guests can also enjoy the private hot spring on the top floor of the hotel🛀, overlooking the beautiful scenery around from a high place🌄, and feel a kind of secluded tranquility🍂. 🍃🔍Every corner of the hotel🏞️ is full of details🔎. For example, the rooms are spacious and clean 🛏️, the air conditioning is moderate ❄️, and each room is equipped with free refrigeration facilities 🔌🍹. However, some guests mentioned that the refrigeration facility was not turned on when they first checked in, and it took some time to reach the desired temperature. This may be a small detail that the hotel needs to pay attention to and improve📌. 🍃🍱Food is also a highlight here🌟. Whether choosing Japanese food 🍣 or Western food 🥐, every dish 🍜 brings guests a pleasant taste bud journey 🍽️. However, some guests said that the food portions were too large🍛 and hoped that the hotel would pay more attention to food waste in the future🚫🍲. 🍃🚗Regarding transportation🛣️, the location of this hotel is extremely convenient. Whether you drive🚙 or take the Shinkansen🚄, you can easily get there✅. Moreover, the hotel staff are very friendly 🤝. Whether it is the front desk 🔔 or the hotel parking lot 🅿️, there will be staff who will enthusiastically provide assistance to guests 🤗. 🍃🍵In general, whether young 👩‍🦰 or old 👴, everyone will find a moment of peace here 🍵. From forty-year-old business people 👔 to the late-stage elderly 🧓, every guest 🚪 who has ever stayed here has praised the hotel's spring quality 💧, facilities 🔌 and services 🛎️. In the busy life🏙️, this is undoubtedly a good place to slow down🚶‍♂️ and find yourself again🌳. - 🏨Hotel name: Tokura Kamiyamada Hot Spring Yumoto Ueyamada Turu

Located in Chikuma City, Nagano Prefecture, it's about a 20-minute ride on the Shinonoi Line from Nagano Station. Obasute Station uses a switchback (zigzag) system to climb the steeply inclined tracks, causing the train to sway slightly as it enters the station. At Obasute Station, there's a monument bearing the haiku "Omokage ya Oba Hitori Naku Tsuki no Tomo" (My memory, my lonely aunt, my moon-bound friend), written by Matsuo Basho in his "Sarashina Nikki" (Travels in the Sarashina), a truly charming sight. You'll enjoy a spectacular view of Nagano City! The "Shinano Limited Express" passes by at high speed, so it's recommended to visit on a local train. #TrainWindow

Atmosphere/Facilities: Nature Recommended point: Spectacular views of Nagano