Nagano Prefecture, in the center of Japan’s Honshu island, is known for its mountains, hot springs and architecture.
The capital, Nagano, is home to 7th-century Zenkō-ji temple, with a “hidden Buddha” statue whose replica is shown publicly once every 6 or 7 years.
Its 16th-century Omine Castle is now a butterfly museum.
The Togakushi district has ancient Togakushi Shrine and weapons at Togakushi Ninja Museum.
Nagano, located in the mountains in central Honshu, has long been an important hub for trade and travel, and over the centuries, developed its own unique cuisine.
The excellence of this natural environment has produced many famous local delicacies.
The most famous are soba, wasabi, apples, chestnuts, Nozawana (pickled mustard greens), and other fruits and vegetables, as well as beef, horse, chicken, and game meat dishes.