From Olympic Glory to Everyday Life
Just a short walk from Nagano Station, nestled between the city’s main transport hub and the historic approach to Zenkoji Temple, Nagano Central Square is a welcoming public space where both locals and visitors often gather.
While it’s a popular gathering spot today, the square first came into the global spotlight during the 1998 Winter Olympic Games, when it hosted the official medal ceremonies. Each night, the space filled with athletes, music, and spectators as flags were raised and medals awarded. For many residents, the memory of those winter evenings, when the world’s spotlight shone on Nagano and the Olympic flame glowed nearby, still carries a special sense of pride and nostalgia.
While its Olympic legacy gives the square historical significance, it’s the everyday atmosphere that keeps it alive. The broad open layout adapts easily with the seasons. In summer, the fountain and shaded tables offer a casual place for families and friends to relax. And children can make the most of the nearby play area. Throughout the year, the central stage hosts everything from local festivals to cultural performances, keeping the square active and connected to the community.
A perfect location in the heart of Nagano City
Food and shopping are close at hand. The square borders Gondo Street, one of Nagano’s traditional covered shopping arcades. It is surrounded by restaurants serving local favorites like soba noodles and oyaki dumplings. A bakery at the edge of the plaza offers an easy stop for fresh snacks, while one of the area’s hidden gems is a tea shop with over a century of history. Inside, you’ll find shelves of carefully selected teas and traditional goods. Outside, visitors often take a moment to enjoy the shop’s creamy matcha ice cream, a small treat that ties together the flavors of past and present.
For travelers, Nagano Central Square is more than a place to rest. The square brings together people and stories, with the spirit of the Olympics still lingering alongside everyday life. It also serves as the starting point for many tours and cultural experiences offered by Nagano Experience.
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