Northern Nagano
(Iiyama, Chikuma, Obuse, Nagano)
The area has flourished alongside revered religious sites such as Zenkoji Temple and Togakushi Shrine and includes commercial towns like Obuse and Suzaka that developed along historic trade routes. This area is also known for its serene rural landscapes, often depicted in Japanese folk songs like “Hometown (ʻFurusato’)” and “Spring Brook (ʻHaru no Ogawa’).” With abundant natural water, the area is home to many miso, soy sauce, and sake breweries. Moreover, Nozawa Onsen Village, the birthplace of the nozawana vegetable, has a unique custom of washing nozawana in hot spring water every November to prepare it for pickling.
Half-Day Course
A Stroll Around Zenkoji Temple
A Fermentation Food Walking Tour
Around Zenkoji Temple
Start!
Nagano Station
15 minutes walk
Suyakame (Main Shop)
Suyakame is a Shinshu Miso maker, founded in 1902. Located a 15-minute walk from Zenkoji Temple, the shop is attached to a restaurant. You can enjoy delicious miso soup for lunch, followed by miso soft serve ice cream for dessert, and then pick up miso as a souvenir. It’s a perfect place for miso-centric experience.
- Address
- 652 Nishigocho, Nagano City
380-0845 - Phone
- 026-235-4022
- Opening
hours - Please check the website.
- Website
- https://www.suyakame.co.jp/
18 minutes walk
Zenkoji Temple
Zenkoji Temple is a renowned Buddhist temple with a long-standing tradition saying that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. Its main hall is designated as a National Treasure. The temple is famous for its annual New Year’s services and the Gokaicho (a special event that opens the replica of the temple’s principal to the public), which takes place every seven years. In recent years, the temple has also become a popular destination for “goshuin girls” who collect temple seals.
- Address
- 491 Motoyoshicho, Nagano City
380-0851 - Phone
- 026-234-3591
- Opening
hours - Please check the website.
- Website
- https://www.zenkoji.jp/
Zenkoji Temple’s Nakamise Street
Take a leisurely stroll along the approach to the Sanmon gate from the entrance of the temple grounds. The street is lined with souvenir shops, restaurants, and inns. It’s fascinating to learn that the previous main hall used to stand where the Enmei Jizo statue is now located!
- Website
- http://nakamise.org/
3 minutes walk
Nishinomon Yoshinoya Sake Brewery
Nishinomon Yoshinoya is a sake brewery with a history spanning over 350 years. Their tasting corner is fantastic, offering a wide range of options including amazake (fermented rice drink) and miso soup, making it a fun place for the whole family, not just adults. Best of all, the brewery tour is completely free! Equipped with state-of-the-art brewing facilities where sake is made throughout the year, the factory is a sight to behold.
- Address
- 941 Nishinomoncho, Nagano City
380-0857 - Phone
- 090-2248-1324
- Opening
hours - Please check the website.
6 minutes walk
Hakko Monzen
This restaurant, founded in 2019, is a renovated tabi (traditional Japanese socks) shop that has stood for approximately 100 years on Zenkoji Temple’s approach. In addition to Nagano’s fermented foods, the menu features creative dishes made with seasonal ingredients from young farmers, as well as a selection of exquisite cocktails. Open for dinner service, it offers a comprehensive taste of Nagano at the end of your day.
- Address
- 1st Floor, 16-1 Higashigocho,
Nagano City 380-0832 - Phone
- 026-266-0909
- Opening
hours - Please check the website.
18 minutes walk
Shinshu Kuraudo
Located in a convenient spot directly connected to Nagano Station, this shop features the best of Nagano’s brewing and fermentation culture. With a focus on fermented foods from all over the prefecture, you can enjoy tasting and even have a drink at the standing bar “Hakko Bar.” It’s a popular spot where you can have fun while waiting for your Shinkansen.
- Address
- 2 Floor, Midori Nagano, 1-22-6
Minamichitose, Nagano City
380-8543 - Phone
- 026-219-6139
- Opening
hours - Please check the website.
Finish!
Nagano Station