Nagano, a land characterized by lifestyles that make the most of the rich nature
Feature
Nagano is a prefecture located in central Honshu. The population is about 2.02 million, and the prefectural capital is Nagano City.
Nagano City is one of Japan's heaviest snowfall areas and hosted the Winter Olympics in 1998. In addition, more than 80% of the prefecture's area is mountainous, surrounded by mountains of 2,000m to 3,000m.
In Nagano, which is rich in nature, you can enjoy various activities such as mountain climbing and hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter. In addition, you can feel the history of Japan at the national treasure Matsumoto Castle and Zenkoji Temple. It is a popular tourist destination from home and abroad.
Traditional crafts and Local specialties
Nagano's traditional crafts are “Kiso-Shikki" and "Shinsyu-Tsumugi".
Kiso-Shikki is a lacquerware made around Shiojiri City. Nagano, which is rich in nature, is rich in raw materials for lacquerware, such as Japanese cypress for the wood base and clay for the base material. It is also durable enough for everyday use.
Shinshu-Tsumugi is a silk fabric made throughout Nagano. It is characterized by "Kusaki-zome" silk thread dyed with natural dyes of grass and trees. This fabric is hand woven so no two are alike.
Nagano's climate is suitable for growing crops due to the difference in temperature between day and night. Shinshu soba made from buckwheat flour and fresh water from Nagano is a popular local speciality.
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