Welcome to Shinshu
Shinshu is another name for Nagano Prefecture, comes from the fact that this area was once called Shinano. Just like Tokyo was once called Edo.
Hot Spring【温泉 Onsen】
Japan is a country with active volcanic activity, so hot springs have been used since ancient times. Shinshu (Nagano Prefecture) also has many famous hot springs.
It seems that hot springs have been used for over 1000 years. According to a 12th century book, samurai who were injured in battle healed their wounds in the hot springs.
During the Edo period (17th to 19th century), hot springs became popular among the common people.
Scientific research began in the Meiji period (early 20th century), and the medical effects of hot springs were proven by the Showa period (20th century).
Nowadays, hot springs are loved not only in Japan but all over the world.
Post Town【宿場町 Shukubamachi】
There are many post towns in Shinshu (Nagano Prefecture). These post towns are located along former major roads such as the Nakasendo.
These towns provided hospitality to travelers traveling to and from Edo (present-day Tokyo). Even today, there are still a few towns that retain the vestiges of the Edo period while still offering modern accommodation facilities.
Zenkoji【善光寺 Zenkouji】
In Shinshu (Nagano Prefecture), there is Zenkoji Temple, which has a history of about 1400 years. Since its founding, it has attracted the faith of many powerful people, including Tokugawa Ieyasu. The Buddhist statues brought over from the continent when Buddhism was introduced in 552 are said to be the oldest Buddhist statues in Japan.
