9 things to do in Nagano in October

When you plan a trip, you often want to include experiences or sights that are unique to the season. This article is for those who are interested in what Nagano Prefecture has to offer in October, including events, recommended spots, and more.

About Nagano Prefecture in October

Nagano Prefecture is famous for its beautiful autumn foliage. In October, the mountains turn shades of red and yellow, captivating visitors. In addition to the foliage, you can also enjoy “onsen” (hot springs) and seasonal fruit picking. Now, let’s introduce some must-visit spots in Nagano Prefecture in October.

Autumn Foliage Spots

Nagano Prefecture boasts numerous scenic spots where the beauty of autumn foliage stands out. Here are three highly recommended spots.

“Mishakaike Pond”

• Location: Chino City, Nagano Prefecture
• Best Viewing Time: Late October to Early November

This pond served as the motif for the painting “Rokkyōkyo” by painter Kaii Higashiyama. The beautiful autumn foliage reflected in the calm water is a sight to behold. Visiting in the early morning or evening when there is no wind will enhance the beauty of the reflections. It’s best to visit when the sunlight is not directly behind you.

“Venus Line”

• Location: Chino City to Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture
• Best Viewing Time: Early to Mid-October

The “Venus Line,” which stretches for 76 km, transforms into a carpet of autumn leaves in the fall. Particularly around “Mount Kurumayama,” the vast grasslands are enveloped in autumn colors, creating a spectacular view. Driving through this area and passing through “Tateshina,” another famous autumn foliage spot, is highly recommended.

“Akazawa Forest Railway”

• Location: Agematsu Town, Kiso District, Nagano Prefecture
• Best Viewing Time: Mid to Late October

The “Akazawa Forest Railway” offers a unique experience of enjoying autumn foliage from a train. It passes through a natural forest of “Kiso Hinoki” (Japanese Cypress) over 300 years old. The view of the foliage along the mountain stream from the right side of the train is particularly picturesque, resembling a painting.

Onsen Spots with Autumn Foliage

Nagano Prefecture also offers numerous “onsen” spots where you can enjoy the luxury of soaking in hot springs while admiring the autumn foliage. Here are three particularly recommended “onsen” spots.

“Akiyamago Yukawa-kaku”

• Location: Sakae Village, Nagano Prefecture
• Best Viewing Time: Mid to Late October

“Yukawa-kaku,” located in the deepest part of “Akiyamago,” is an “onsen” inn where you can feel the beauty of the gorge up close. You can enjoy the autumn foliage from a private open-air bath, and the wild open-air bath that you dig up yourself offers a unique experience of becoming one with nature. The “Kawara no Rotenburo” (Riverbank Open-Air Bath) just a 2-minute walk from the inn is also a must-see.

“Tateshina Shinyu Onsen”

• Location: Chino City, Nagano Prefecture
• Best Viewing Time: Around Mid-October

Located in the Tateshina Highlands, “Tateshina Shinyu Onsen” is a historic “onsen” inn that opened in 1926. You can enjoy the autumn foliage from six different types of open-air baths, and the private open-air baths are perfect for families or couples to relax and enjoy the foliage. You can also savor a “Wafrench” dinner made with seasonal ingredients from the mountains of Shinshu.

“Shirahone Onsen Awanoyu Ryokan”

• Location: Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture
• Best Viewing Time: Mid to Late October

Located at the foot of the Northern Alps, “Shirahone Onsen Awanoyu Ryokan” offers a large mixed-gender open-air bath where you can enjoy the autumn foliage. You can spend a luxurious time soaking in the milky white hot spring while admiring the picturesque autumn scenery. The area also offers other tourist spots such as Kamikochi, where you can fully enjoy nature.

Fruit Picking Spots

In autumn, Nagano Prefecture offers various fruit-picking experiences. Here are three highly recommended spots for fruit picking.

“Kuroyanagi Farm”

• Location: Iizuna Town, Kamiminochi District, Nagano Prefecture
• Harvest Season: Mid to Late October

At “Kuroyanagi Farm” in Iizuna Town, Kamiminochi District, Nagano Prefecture, you can enjoy chestnut and other fruit picking from mid to late October. You can also harvest mushrooms from early October to mid-November. This spot allows you to fully enjoy the flavors of autumn.

“Kiso Uma no Sato”

• Location: Kiso Town, Kiso District, Nagano Prefecture
• Harvest Season: Late October to Early November

This facility is dedicated to the conservation and breeding of the native Kiso horse. You can enjoy the autumn foliage of blueberries in late September, and the larch trees start to change color from late October. You can enjoy interacting with Kiso horses and taking walks while fully savoring the autumn foliage and seasonal flavors.

“Nashi-en”

• Location: Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture
• Harvest Season: Mid to Late October

At “Nashi-en” in Matsumoto City, you can enjoy picking and tasting sweet and juicy pears, a seasonal autumn fruit, from mid to late October. This spot is perfect for families and couples to visit.