Nagano

Nagano Prefecture is one of the few prefectures in Japan that do not border the sea. It is famous for its mountains, in particular the Japan Alps, and popular for hiking in summer and skiing in winter. Nagano achieved international fame for hosting the Winter Olympics in 1998. There are many tourist spots in the prefecture, including Zenkoji Temple, Kamikochi, Matsumoto Castle, Lake Suwa and Karuizawa. Nagano is the top producer of wasabi (Japanese radish) and is also famous for Shinshu soba noodles.