Nagano Overview
Nagano is the capital and largest city of Nagano Prefecture, located in the Nagano Basin in the central Chūbu region of Japan. Nagano is categorized as a core city of Japan. Nagano City is the highest prefectural capital in Japan, with an altitude of 371.4 meters (1,219 ft). The city is surrounded by mountains, the highest of which is Mount Takatsuma (2,353 m), and it is near the confluence of the Chikuma River—the longest and widest river in Japan—and the Sai River. As of 1 July 2023, the city had an estimated population of 365,296 in 160,625 households, and a population density of 438 persons per km². The total area of the city is 834.81 square kilometres (322.32 sq mi).
Nagano Key Statistics
Population387146
Area835 km²
Parks / Museums / Cafés140 / 8 / 84
Practical Essentials for Nagano
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 ↗
Getting Around Nagano
Nagano Main Station & Rail Lines
長野 (Nagano)
Train Travel to Nagano
Nagano is connected via Japan Rail and local private lines.
Driving to Nagano
Accessible via Tomei Expressway and other national highways.
Real-Time Air Quality in Nagano
Cover Your Trip to Nagano
Flight delays, medical bills, lost gear – SafetyWing backs you up from US $45 / 4 weeks.
Get Instant Quote ↗What to Eat in Nagano
- Slurp a steaming bowl of ramen at a tiny shop in Nagano downtown.
- Walk the morning market and try ultra-fresh sushi in Nagano.
- Grab late-night yakitori skewers near Nagano Station.
- Pick up handmade mochi from a family confectioner in central Nagano.
- Sip a glass of small-batch sake brewed on the edge of Nagano.
Hungry for more?
Street-food crawls, cooking classes & sake tastings — reserve now, pay later.
Book Food Tours ↗Things to Do in Nagano
Book Tours Now
Walking tours, food crawls, day trips & more – reserve today, pay later.
View Tours ↗Income & Living Costs in Nagano
¥4,300,000*est
Median household income / year
86*est /100
Price level vs Tokyo
Moving money internationally?
Send or spend Japanese yen with mid-market FX rates via Wise.
See Wise fees ↗Best Hotels in Nagano
Plan & Book Your Trip
FAQ about Nagano
When was Nagano founded?
Nagano was founded on April 1, 1889.
How old is Nagano?
Nagano is roughly 137 years old.
What is the population of Nagano?
The latest estimate puts the population at about 387,146.
What is the land area of Nagano?
Nagano covers roughly 835 km².
What is the main railway station in Nagano?
The primary hub is 長野 (Nagano).
How many parks, museums and cafés are in Nagano?
The city has roughly 140 parks, 8 museums and 84 cafés within a 5 km radius of the center.
Is Nagano expensive to live?
Nagano is generally more affordable than Tokyo, with lower rents and food costs outside the tourist core.
Do I need travel insurance for visiting Nagano?
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 Nagano?
From street-food crawls to sake tastings and hands-on cooking classes, Nagano has flavour for every budget. Book food tours ↗
What tours are available in Nagano?
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 Nagano?
All resident services — permits, taxes, public records — are handled by the City Hall. Learn more ↗
Are there expat meet-ups or language exchanges in Nagano?
Nagano hosts a friendly international community with weekly events near the main stations and cafes. Find events ↗
Where can I charge my EV in Nagano?
CHAdeMO and CCS-compatible chargers dot convenience-store car-parks and highway rest-areas. View stations ↗
Can I rent a bike in Nagano?
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 Nagano?
Use the official route planner for live subway, bus and tram times. Open planner ↗
Where is Nagano?
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
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