Winter in Nagano Prefecture brings snow to temple grounds and castle moats, and with it, a tradition of evening illuminations. As temperatures drop, historic sites across the region install carefully designed light displays that transform familiar landmarks. These installations run through the coldest months, offering a great reason to venture out after dark. Here are the top 3 winter illuminations we feel are worth planning an evening around. Matsumoto Castle Illumination Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s few remaining original castles, receives a seasonal light treatment each winter. Colorful projections and illumination are projected on the black walls and multi-tiered keep, with reflections spreading across the surrounding moat. The display typically … Continue reading Top 3 Winter Illuminations in Nagano Prefecture