Nagano Prefecture

Japanese culture and heritage in Nagano Prefecture

This collection highlights the spiritual and architectural legacy of Nagano Prefecture, ranging from the 7th-century Zenkō-ji temple complex to the defensive ruins of Tsumago Castle. It features significant Rinzai Zen sites like Kozenji in Kiso, known for its expansive rock gardens, and Shinto landmarks such as the Togakushi Okusha shrine with its ancient cedar approach. The list also includes preserved Edo-period structures like the Iiyama Castle gate and historic stone carvings at Nakamura Hachimansha.

Japanese Culture and Heritage — Map

A

梅翁寺

A Buddhist temple located in the Nakano region of Nagano Prefecture.

B

薬師庵 Yakushian

A traditional place of worship dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha.

くろふね / CC BY 3.0

C

Zenkoji temple

Zenkō-ji is a Buddhist temple located in the city of Nagano, Japan. The temple was built in the 7th century.

黒崎一男 / CC BY-SA 4.0

D

法運寺

Jodo sect Buddhist temple in Nakano, affiliated with Kyoto’s Chion-in. It is also known by its mountain name, Shosekizan.

Qurren / CC BY-SA 4.0

E

Kozenji

Rinzai Zen temple in Kisofukushima featuring one of Japan's largest dry landscape rock gardens, known as Kanuntei.

Delpha / CC BY-SA 4.0

F

Chofukuji

One of the Three Great Temples of Kiso, this Rinzai Zen site enshrines Shaka Nyorai and belongs to the Myoshin-ji school.

G

妻籠城 Tsumago Castle

Ruins of a mountain fortress that served as a strategic defensive point for Tsumago-juku during the 16th century.

Chi King / CC BY 2.0

H

Togakushi Okusha shrine

The innermost shrine of Togakushi, reached via a two-kilometer path lined with over 300 ancient Japanese cedar trees.

I

飯山城移築城門

A historical gate originally belonging to Iiyama Castle, preserved as a significant example of regional castle architecture.

J

谷厳寺

Soto Zen temple in Nakano known for its mountain name Ryugenzan and its historic stone lanterns.

黒崎一男 / CC BY-SA 4.0

K

専福寺

A temple of the Shinshu Otani-ha sect in Nakano, enshrining a statue of Amida Nyorai.

L

Nakamura Hachimansha Komainu Pair

A pair of historic stone guardian dog statues designated as cultural heritage at the Nakamura Hachiman Shrine.

M

Mitsujima Castle Ruin

Remnants of a medieval fortification situated on a ridge overlooking the Tenryu River.

N

山祇神社

Shinto shrine dedicated to the deities of the mountains.

O

大宮七窪神社

Local Shinto shrine situated in the Ina valley region of Nagano.

P

芝宮神社

Shinto shrine in Iijima known for its traditional architecture and local religious festivals.

Q

白山権現神社

A shrine representing the Hakusan faith, which centers on the worship of sacred mountains.

R

平澤山神社

Mountainous Shinto shrine located in the Iijima area.

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