Nagano Prefecture

is located on Honshu island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nagano.

History

Nagano was formerly known as the province of Shinano, and was divided among many local daimyo during the Sengoku period.

Nagano was host to the 1998 Winter Olympics, which gained the prefecture international recognition as well as gaining the prefecture a Shinkansen line to Tokyo.

Geography

Nine of the twelve highest mountains in Japan can be found in this inland prefecture. Nagano is also the prefecture which is bordered by the highest number of other prefectures in Japan and it contains the location which is the furthest point from the ocean anywhere in Japan.

The province's mountains have made it relatively isolated, and many people come for its mountain resorts and hot springs.

Cities

19 cities are located in Nagano Prefecture.

Towns and villages

These are the towns and villages in each district.

Mergers

(as of March 31, 2006)

On June 1, 1993, the town of Kamisato from Shimoina District merged into the expanded city of Iida.

On September 1, 2003, the city of Koshoku, the town of Kamiyamada from Sarashina District and the town of Togura from Hanishina District merged to form the city of Chikuma.

On April 1, 2004, the village of Kitamimaki from Kitasaku District and the town of Tobu from Chiisagata District merged to form the new city of Tomi.

On January 1, 2005, the village of Ooka from Sarashina District, the town of Toyono and the villages of Togakushi and Kinasa (all three from Kamiminochi District) merged into the city of Nagano. Sarashina District was dissolved as a result.

On February 13, 2005, the village of Yamaguchi from Kiso District merged into the city of Nakatsugawa in Gifu Prefecture.

On March 20, 2005, the town of Saku and the village of Yachiho from Minamisaku District merged to form the new town of Sakuho.

On April 1, 2005, the city of Saku, the town of Usuda from Minamisaku District, and the town of Mochizuki and the village of Asashina (both from Kitasaku District) merged to form the city of Saku.

On April 1, 2005, the village of Narakawa from Kiso District merged into the city of Shiojiri.

On April 1, 2005, the city of Nakano and the village of Toyota from Shimominochi District merged to form the city of Nakano.

On April 1, 2005, the village of Shiga from Higashichikuma District, and the villages of Nagawa, Azumi and Azusagawa from Minamiazumi District merged into the city of Matsumoto.

On October 1, 2005, the villages of Mure and Samizu from Kamiminochi District merged to form the new town of Iizuna.

On October 1, 2005, the town of Akashina from Higashichikuma District, and the towns and villages of Horigane, Hotaka, Misato and Toyoshina from Minamiazumi District merged to form the new city of Azumino. Minamiazumi District was dissolved as a result.

On October 1, 2005, the villages of Kami and Minamishinano from Shimoina District merged into the city of Iida.

On October 1, 2005, the town of Nagato and the village of Wada from Chiisagata District merged to form the new town of Nagawa.

On October 11, 2005, the villages of Honjo, Sakakita and Sakai from Higashichikuma District merged to form the new village of Chikuhoku.

On November 1, 2005, the villages of Kisofukushima, Mitake, Hiyoshi and Kaida from Kiso District merged to form the new town of Kiso.

On January 1, 2006, the villages of Yasaka and Miasa from Kitaazumi District merged into the city of Omachi.

On January 1, 2006, the village of Namiai from Shimoina District merged into the village of Achi.

On March 6, 2006, the city of Ueda, the towns of Maruko, Sanada and the village of Takeshi (all from Chiisagata District) merged to form the city of Ueda.

On March 31, 2006, the city of Ina, the town of Takato and the village of Hase from Kamiina District merged to form the city of Ina.

Demographics

Culture

Tourism

Tourist spots

Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's national treasures.
One of the world's highest geysers (about 40 to 50 meters) in Suwa.

Prefectural symbols

Miscellaneous topics

Nagano's current governor, Yasuo Tanaka, is an independent who has made a reputation internationally for attacking Japan's status quo. Among other issues, he has refused national government money for construction projects that he deems unnecessary, such as dams, and has overhauled (locally) the press club system that is blamed for limiting government access to journalists who give favorable coverage.

External links

Chubu region | Nagano Prefecture | Prefectures of Japan

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