Nagano Prefecture sits in the heart of the Japanese Alps, a landlocked mountain region of central Honshu famed for hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics. Towering peaks, deep valleys, and pristine highland plateaus define the landscape, while centuries-old temples, historic post towns along the Nakasendo highway, and legendary onsen hot springs reveal a culture shaped by isolation and resilience. The prefecture stretches across five distinct mountain ranges, offering year-round outdoor pursuits from ski slopes at Hakuba and Shiga Kogen to summer alpine trekking through Kamikochi and the Northern Japan Alps.
Nagano Prefecture ranks among Japan's safest destinations, with extremely low rates of petty crime, violent crime, and theft. The main safety considerations are natural: earthquakes, mountain weather, volcanic activity near Kamikochi (Mt. Yakedake), bear encounters on remote trails, and severe winter road conditions.
Current safety advisory
Very Safe
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance) in separate locations.
Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
Use registered taxis or rideshare apps. Avoid unmarked vehicles offering rides.
Trust your instincts — if a situation feels wrong, remove yourself from it.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Items
- Topic
- Tap water
- Detail
- Safe to drink throughout Nagano Prefecture. Mountain stream water should be treated before drinking.
- Topic
- Altitude sickness
- Detail
- Possible above 2,500m on extended stays. Ascend gradually. Symptoms: headache, nausea, shortness of breath. Descend immediately if symptoms worsen. Acetazolamide (Diamox) available at large pharmacies.
- Topic
- Alpine sun exposure
- Detail
- UV radiation increases ~10% per 1,000m altitude. Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen when hiking or skiing. Snow reflects up to 80% of UV.
- Topic
- Heat in valley cities (summer)
- Detail
- Nagano City and Matsumoto reach 28–33°C in August. Carry water; use convenience store air conditioning as cooling breaks.
- Topic
- Pharmacies
- Detail
- Tsuruha Drug (multiple Nagano City locations; 24hr at some), Sundrug, and Matsumoto Wellness. Basic English packaging on common medications.
- Topic
- Hospitals with international support
- Detail
- Nagano Prefecture General Hospital has interpreter service for emergencies (026-226-4111). Matsumoto City Hospital (0263-37-2626) recommends calling in advance for English assistance.
- Topic
- Travel insurance
- Detail
- Strongly recommended. Japan's healthcare is world-class but costs without insurance can be substantial. Cover should include mountain rescue (helicopter evacuation can cost ¥500,000–¥1,000,000/$3,333–$6,667 USD without insurance).
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Items