Chikuma Overview
Chikuma is a city located in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 March 2023, the city had an estimated population of 58,124 in 22,407 households, and a population density of 490 inhabitants per square kilometer (1,300/sq mi). The total area of the city was 119.79 square kilometers (46.25 sq mi).
Chikuma Key Statistics
Population58755
Area120 km²
Parks / Museums / Cafés94 / 8 / 7
Practical Essentials for Chikuma
Meet-ups & Expat Community
Chat with locals tonight or join a language-exchange near the station.
Find Events ↗
Emergency Phones
Police: 110 · Fire/Ambulance: 119
Nation-wide numbers, English assistance usually available.
Safety Tips ↗
City Hall Website
Official permits, taxes, public records and all resident-services for Chikuma.
Visit ↗Getting Around Chikuma
Chikuma Main Station & Rail Lines
屋代 (Yashiro)
Train Travel to Chikuma
Chikuma is connected via Japan Rail and local private lines.
Driving to Chikuma
Accessible via Tomei Expressway and other national highways.
Real-Time Air Quality in Chikuma
Cover Your Trip to Chikuma
Flight delays, medical bills, lost gear – SafetyWing backs you up from US $45 / 4 weeks.
Get Instant Quote ↗What to Eat in Chikuma
- Slurp a steaming bowl of ramen at a tiny shop in Chikuma downtown.
- Walk the morning market and try ultra-fresh sushi in Chikuma.
- Grab late-night yakitori skewers near Chikuma Station.
- Pick up handmade mochi from a family confectioner in central Chikuma.
- Sip a glass of small-batch sake brewed on the edge of Chikuma.
Hungry for more?
Street-food crawls, cooking classes & sake tastings — reserve now, pay later.
Book Food Tours ↗Things to Do in Chikuma
Book Tours Now
Walking tours, food crawls, day trips & more – reserve today, pay later.
View Tours ↗Income & Living Costs in Chikuma
¥3,400,000*est
Median household income / year
78*est /100
Price level vs Tokyo
Moving money internationally?
Send or spend Japanese yen with mid-market FX rates via Wise.
See Wise fees ↗Plan & Book Your Trip
FAQ about Chikuma
When was Chikuma founded?
Chikuma was founded on September 1, 2003.
How old is Chikuma?
Chikuma is roughly 23 years old.
What is the population of Chikuma?
The latest estimate puts the population at about 58,755.
What is the land area of Chikuma?
Chikuma covers roughly 120 km².
What is the main railway station in Chikuma?
The primary hub is 屋代 (Yashiro).
How many parks, museums and cafés are in Chikuma?
The city has roughly 94 parks, 8 museums and 7 cafés within a 5 km radius of the center.
Is Chikuma expensive to live?
Chikuma is generally more affordable than Tokyo, with lower rents and food costs outside the tourist core.
Do I need travel insurance for visiting Chikuma?
Yes — hospitals in Japan can be costly for visitors. SafetyWing covers flight delays, medical emergencies and lost gear from about US$45 / 4 weeks. Get an instant quote ↗
How can I send money internationally while in Japan?
Wise lets you hold Japanese yen, move money at the mid-market rate and spend with a debit card for a small fixed fee — popular with both expats and long-term travellers.
Where can I book food tours or cooking classes in Chikuma?
From street-food crawls to sake tastings and hands-on cooking classes, Chikuma has flavour for every budget. Book food tours ↗
What tours are available in Chikuma?
Guided walking tours, cultural excursions and day-trips run year-round. Most allow free cancellation and pay-later options. Explore tours ↗
Where can I access official city services in Chikuma?
All resident services — permits, taxes, public records — are handled by the City Hall. Visit the official site ↗
Are there expat meet-ups or language exchanges in Chikuma?
Chikuma hosts a friendly international community with weekly events near the main stations and cafes. Find events ↗
Where can I charge my EV in Chikuma?
CHAdeMO and CCS-compatible chargers dot convenience-store car-parks and highway rest-areas. View stations ↗
Can I rent a bike in Chikuma?
Yes, hire a bike by the hour or day and cruise the riverside paths. Rent a bike ↗
How can I check public-transport routes in Chikuma?
Use the official route planner for live subway, bus and tram times. Open planner ↗
Where is Chikuma?
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
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