Karuizawa Japan 4.25

Nagano is a mountainous, landlocked prefecture in the center of Honshu, belonging to the Chubu Region. Nagano is most famous for Zenkō-ji, a 7th century Buddhist temple which overlooks the city. A million tourists visit Nagano annually, the gateway to a variety of sightseeing spots. However, Nagano is still not heavily visited by tourists as compared to Tokyo and other major bustling cities.

Nagano receives less rain than any part of Japan outside Hokkaidō. The city still receives heavy winter snow over four months from December to March.

In 1998, the city hosted the Winter Olympic Games, and some former olympic facilities can still be viewed around town.

In 2005, Nagano hosted the Special Olympics World Winter Games, marking the first time that it was held in Asia.