When you think of Nagano Prefecture, it's likely that winter comes to mind. There are numerous world-class ski resorts in this part of the country, and the region even hosted the Winter Olympics back in 1998. Once all the snow melts, the prefecture is a colorful delight, with some magical destinations to enjoy the best of the spring season. This guide covers five places to check out if you plan to visit Nagano in spring.
Iiyama Nanohana Park
The Iiyama Nanohana Park comes alive during spring, and their annual nanohana festival is held during the latter half of Golden Week – based off previous years, plan for the 3rd to the 5th of May. The grounds are blanketed with these vibrant yellow flowers, and visitors are able to enjoy views of the Sekida Mountains at the same time – sometimes they still have a dusting of snow atop them, adding to the picturesque scenery.
495-2 Mizuho, Iiyama, Nagano 389-2322
Takato Castle Park
During the month of April, Nagano's Takato Castle Park is filled with the pretty pink color of 1500 sakura trees in bloom. The park has been designated as one of Japan's Top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots, and part of what makes a visit here so special is the uniqueness of the trees. They're a variety known as Takato kohiganzakura, which feature smaller petals and a deeper shade of pink than the more common Somei Yoshino type.
Takatomachi Higashitakato, Ina, Nagano 396-0213
Tsurumine Azalea Park
Home to approximately 30,000 perfectly-sculpted azalea bushes in 30 varieties, Tsurumine Azalea Park is absolutely filled with color around the mid-to-late May timeframe. In typical years, a festival is held when the flowers are looking their best, complete with food stalls and a lively atmosphere.
3 Chome-13 Kawagishikami, Okaya, Nagano 394-0048
Alps Azumino National Government Park
Situated at the base of the Northern Japan Alps, the Alps Azumino National Government Park contains several different flower fields which can be enjoyed throughout the year. The highlights of spring are colorful tulips and vibrant yellow nanohana, but other seasons don't miss out, either! Summer sunflowers, autumn cosmos, and winter illuminations are just some of what the park has to enjoy later on.
33-4 Horigane Karasugawa, Azumino, Nagano 399-8295
Garyu Park
If you're after an ultra-picturesque cherry blossom spot, look no further than Nagano's Garyu Park. It was also selected as one of Japan's Top 100 best cherry blossom viewing spots, and the combination of the pretty pink blooms, stunning water reflections, and the surrounding mountains are the perfect trifecta of natural beauty.
2 Chome-5-13 Garyu, Suzaka, Nagano 382-0028
