Nagano Prefecture

In 1998, Nagano hosted the Winter Olympics and Paralympics. The world-class snow resorts of Hakuba, Shiga Kogen Heights and Nozawa Onsen continue to attract winter sports enthusiasts every year. In addition, Nagano has convenient rail and expressway access to Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto and other major cities, and is in close proximity to such premier sightseeing spots as Mt. Fuji, Hida-Takayama and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. The prefecture spreads out to the north and south over 13,562 square kilometers, making it Japan's fourth largest in size. Approximately 20% of the area is designated as Natural Parks. The prefecture boasts a sunny, inland climate, with an annual average of approximately 2000 hours of sunshine, and an average temperature of a moderate 12 degrees Celsius, with relatively low humidity. img49d1615b787f2