Nagano City blends traditional craftsmanship with a quiet but creative modern spirit. From sculpture-lined streets to seasonal festivals and time-honored artisan skills, the city offers a subtle yet lasting impression of artistic life. Explore where heritage meets expression in everyday surroundings through the art and tradition.
Nagano City: Festival, Art and Tradition
Art in the Streets
Walking through central Nagano, you’ll notice public sculptures thoughtfully placed along sidewalks, parks, and plazas. These works, created by Japanese and international artists, form an open-air gallery that brings creativity into daily city life. The pieces are often tied to local themes and invite passersby to pause, reflect, or simply enjoy a moment of beauty.
Traditional Local Restaurant
Festivals and Contemporary Art
Nagano City hosts a range of art events and seasonal exhibitions, from gallery shows at the Nagano Prefectural Museum of Art to outdoor installations and public performances. A winter highlight is the Tomyo Lantern Festival. During this event, hundreds of hand-painted lanterns line Omotesando Avenue and the grounds of Zenkoji Temple. Created by local artists and students, the lanterns glow with both traditional and playful designs, turning the city into a nighttime gallery.
The Nagano Prefectural Museum of Art
Living Traditions
Beyond the galleries, Nagano is home to a number of traditional artisans keeping local crafts alive. These include woodworking, lacquerware, weaving, and hand-dyed textiles. Many studios welcome visitors, offering a chance to see the process firsthand. These time-honored skills are passed down through generations and remain a quiet but enduring part of the city’s cultural fabric.
Lacquerware ‘Obento’ boxes