From Summer to Autumn, Nagano's fields and hillsides are carpeted in colorful flowers. Take in the cool mountain breeze while enjoying purple lavender, bright yellow day lilies, brilliant zinnia and more.
Among Nagano's myriad beautiful gardens and landscapes, we’ve chosen some of the most picturesque, accessible locations below.
1. Lavender at Hotel Tangram
Around 1 million lavender stalks sway in the breeze on the hill by Hotel Tangram in Northern Nagano. In mid-July, Tangram also opens a lily garden on the higher reaches of the resort. There are outdoor activities for adults and children alike, including mountain biking and zipline rides. For beautiful views of nearby Lake Nojiri and Mt. Myoko, take a trip to the top of Tangram and visit the Nojiri Terrace.
Details
Viewing Period
Early July to Early August
Access
By car, 20 minutes from the Joshin’etsu Expressway Shinano-machi IC exit. By train/bus, 30 minutes by bus from Kurohime Station.
2. Day Lilies in Kurumayama Kogen Skypark
The grassy highlands of Kirigamine Kogen are covered in bright-yellow day lilies during July. The Kurumayama Kogen Skypark offers lifts to the top of Mt. Kurumayama (1,925m) where you can see panoramic views of the flowering hills below, as well as the Japanese Alps and Mt. Fuji!
The resort can be found along the Venus Line, Nagano’s premier driving route which connects the prefecture’s central highlands. Other stops along the route include Lake Shirakaba, the Yashima Wetlands, and the Utsukushigahara Open-Air Art Museum. (See a map of the Venus Line and rental car locations here).
Details
Viewing Period
July
Access
By car, 40 minutes from the Chuo Expressway Suwa IC exit. By train/bus, a 2-hour bus ride from JR Chino Station (get off at Kurumayama Kogen bus stop).
3. Zinnia at Fujimi Kogen Resort
Fujimi Kogen Resort at the base of the Yatsugatake Mountains is a hidden gem for flower and garden enthusiasts. Over 1 million zinnias cover the lower section of the resort and are illuminated at night from late July to mid August. Golf carts and ski lifts make access easy for people of all ages. At the top of the resort, there are gardens with highland flowers, outdoor sculptures, and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains–including Mt. Fuji!
Details
Viewing Period
Mid July to Late September
Access
By car, 8 min. from the Chuo Expressway Kobuchisawa IC exit. By train/bus, a 24-minute bus ride from JR Kobuchisawa Station.
4. Cosmos at Kurohime Kogen
At the foot of Mt. Kurohime (2,053m), over 1 million cosmos flowers carpet the grounds of the local ski resort. One of the lifts runs during the viewing season so visitors can enjoy the flowers from above.
Details
Viewing Period
September to Early October
Access
By car, 5 minutes from the Joshin’etsu Expressway Shinano-machi IC exit. By train/bus, a 10-minute bus ride from Kurohime Station.
5. Soba Flowers in Togakushi
Togakushi is famous for its soba noodles. The high altitude and arid soil of the area is perfect for growing buckwheat, and in September, delicate white flowers bloom throughout Togakushi’s buckwheat fields. Near the Tonkururin Soba Museum is an especially picturesque field of buckwheat backed by the precipitous Togakushi mountain range. Just a 10-minute walk from the museum, you can enjoy the views and then return to the museum for a soba-making lesson.
Details
Viewing Period
Early September to Mid September
Price
Free
Access
By car, 60 minutes from the Joshin’etsu Nagano IC exit, or 45 minutes from the Joshin’etsu Expressway Shinano-machi IC exit. By train/bus, 57 minutes by Togakushi bus from Nagano Station (get off at the Soba Museum Tonkururin stop), then a 10-minute walk.
