In 1998, Nagano City proudly hosted the XVIII Olympic Winter Games, putting it on the international stage and forever shaping its identity. Today, echoes of that historic event remain throughout the city, from world-class sports venues still in use to museums and monuments that commemorate the spirit of the 1998 Winter Olympics Games.
Nagano City hosted the XVIII Olympic Winter Games
A City Transformed
Hosting the 1998 Olympics Winter Games brought lasting change to Nagano. Roads, railways, and public spaces were modernized. The city welcomed the world with a warm mix of mountain hospitality and international flair. Even now, visitors can feel the legacy in the city’s clean layout, open spaces, and the pride locals still carry from that defining moment.
1998 Olympics Winter Games
Venues You Can Still Visit
Many of the original Olympic venues are still active today. The M-Wave Arena, home to long track speed skating, now hosts sports events, concerts, and seasonal ice skating. The Big Hat arena, which held ice hockey matches, remains a busy venue for local and international events. Just outside the city, the Hakuba Valley was the site of many alpine and ski jump competitions. Today, it continues to attract winter sports enthusiasts from around the world.
The Big Hat Arena
The Olympic Museum
Located inside the M-Wave complex, the Nagano Olympic Museum showcases memorabilia, medals, athlete gear, and video footage from the 1998 Games. It offers a nostalgic and inspiring look at some of Japan’s proudest winter sporting moments. The musuem is a must-visit for winter sports fans.
The Nagano Olympic Museum